BACKGROUND: The M42 overseas cap was introduced for wear by EM/NCO personnel on July 21ST 1942, as a replacement for the earlier M34 overseas cap. The M42 cap was designed to offer more protection from the cold for the ears and neck and the design pattern was based on the Mountain Troopers Bergmütze, (Mountain Cap), but without the visor. After its introduction the M42 overseas cap was worn for the duration of the war although it never fully replaced the M34 overseas caps. The German army originally adopted a slightly modified version of the NSDAP’s national eagle by order on February 17TH 1934, with instructions to have it applied to all steel helmets, visor caps, and tunics by May 1ST 1934. Regulations followed on October 30TH 1935 that stipulated the national eagle was also to be applied to all field caps. On March 14TH 1933 the Weimar Reichswehr era oval black, red and gold cockade was replaced with a circular cockade in black, white, and red and was utilized through-out the Third Reich period.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: Field-grey wool/rayon blend construction cap with fold down back and side panels with scalloped front edge and forward sides, and two pebbled, magnetic sheet metal button front closure. Back and side panels were designed to be folded down to protect the wearers ears and neck and the scalloped front section could be secured with the buttons closed under the wearers chin. Buttons have original stitching. Cap has magnetic sheet metal ventilation grommet to either side just below crown edge. T-Shaped insignia is original stitching to the cap. Interior of cap is fully lined in light weight, grey/green cotton/rayon. Maker marked to Carl Halfar with a 1942 date. Size 55. Super nice example.