My new M42 Feldmutze

**rra227** · 04-04-2011, 11:44 PM

Great cap! My 2 have trapazoids on them. Rich A. in Pa

**Espenlaub Militaria** · 04-04-2011 11:44 PM

We also buy and trade your items and full collections!

**Aldo** · 04-05-2011, 03:05 PM

There is no substitute for physically examining a cap in detail to get a real feel for what to look for. I'm still learning but I find the m42 realtively easy to authenticate in comparison to the m34 or m43 which vary greatly in detail. Those two caps still confuse me greatly mostly due to the private purchase variations. The correct insignia to look for on an m42 is a combined eagle/cockade machine woven trapezoid trimmed into a t shape. I have seen many examples with the untrimmed trapezoid insignia which I believe are also good. As for the hand applied insignia aspect, I look for a consistent neat stitch. I have learned through many errors to trust my gut instinct, If it doesn't look right it probably isn't. I'm sure there is a more accurate approach but I haven't figured it out yet. Cheers, Al.

**Aldo** · 04-05-2011, 03:13 PM

Thanks, post a pic if yours to illustrate the variations. Al

Here are a couple of pics from the John Casino website

**Aldo** · 04-05-2011, 03:18 PM

Point well taken. My intention was not to bash the forum or post a "lovely cap " thread as I agree they are pointless. This site is great and the only one I participate on. Cheers, Al.

**BenVK** · 04-05-2011, 09:17 PM

Al, I thought you might enjoy these rare images.

**Aldo** · 04-05-2011, 09:59 PM

Great pics, Thanks. Russian volunteers ? I'm always amazed at the asian influence on the Russian soldiers from the vast plains of the soviet union. Thanks for sharing these rare images. I always envision the m42 as in the iconic images of the battered troops in Stalingrad with the ear flaps folded down.