German Gendarmerie (Rural Police) Cap (Einheitsfeldmütze M43)

An extremely well-preserved Gendarmerie (Rural Police) M43 field cap, constructed of classic Police green wool. The cap is fully surrounded by fold-down side panels, scalloped at the front, offering optional ear and neck protection to the wearer. When not in use, the panels are rolled up and secured in place at the front with a single pebbled and green-painted button which emanates from the right flap and meets a single reinforced buttonhole on the left flap. The outer edge of the crown is fully trimmed with a length of bright orange piping. Pinned onto the peak is a tri-colour cockade consisting of an aluminium frame with a red wool centrepiece, measuring 23 mm in diameter. Pinned onto the cap directly beneath the cockade is an aluminium Ordnungspolizei insignia in the form of a German national eagle clutching a wreathed mobile swastika, overlaying an oval oak leaf wreath. The eagle insignia measures 56 mm (w) x 46 mm (h). Completing the exterior is a protruding cardboard-reinforced visor, fully lined in identical wool. The interior is fully lined and stamped onto the crown is a black ink size mark of “57”. Otherwise unmarked. Overall extremely fine condition.