WWII GERMAN HAT - LUFTWAFFE M43 - The original purpose of the M-43 cap was to replace the use of the side cap. The M-43 was employed throughout the different branches within the Luftwaffe. The cap was constructed of wool with a satin liner.

Following is a view of the inside of the cap. The manufacturer and date are stamped on the liner with black ink. This particular sample is dated 1944. The cap featured here is the enlisted man summer version.

A side and rear view of the cap.

The later models were re-designed to have only one button. The example displayed here is a two button construction. A close up view of the button can be seen here (Bottom-left). After the war the German army redesigned all their equipment. However, many components were maintained from the WWII versions as it can be appreciated on this picture (bottom-right). The cap on the right is a 1977 German army example.