M38 Officer's Feldmütze - Good One?

[DerFunker]

Good eve, folks. This was one of my first purchases. I haven't handled a lot of this style of side cap, but from my internet and book sleuthing, I've always thought this to be a good one. May I have your opinions? See anything amiss? It certainly passes the smell test, and has faded greatly (see the pic with the flap pulled down) over time. I don't see a size or makers mark, but the interior is very dark fabric and very well worn, so I'm guessing any stamps have long faded. Thanks for your input, friends!

[DerFunker]

Any thoughts?

I was wondering if the dark (almost black) lining is typical - I don't recall seeing it in other pictures, but I haven't actually handled many of these caps in person.

Also, the vent rivets aren't the typical type I see with the visible crimps on the inside, but rather they're smooth... also wondering if anyone else has encountered this.

Thanks!

[MAP]

Soft headgear is not my forte but I like it! It certainly has the look.

[Kohima]

Looks good to me, too. Probably a private purchase item, so not unusual to have no markings and non-standard liner. Appears to have many years worth of hair oil and sweat, too!

On second viewing, there appear to be the holes and ‘ghost’ of a soutache..

[MAP]

Very good eyes. I think you are correct about soutache.

[DerFunker]

Looks good to me, too. Probably a private purchase item, so not unusual to have no markings and non-standard liner. Appears to have many years worth of hair oil and sweat, too!

On second viewing, there appear to be the holes and ‘ghost’ of a soutache..

Thanks for the assessment, Kohima! That's what I love about this forum - no matter how many times I've handled this particular cap, someone still manages to see something I missed. Very cool! I never even noticed the removed soutache. And yes, this cap was definitely well worn.

I've read that sometime around mid-1942, it was ordered that the soutache be removed. Any ideas as to why? I've only read about the order to remove, but never a definitive answer on exactly why...

[DerFunker]

Very good eyes. I think you are correct about soutache.

Isn't that something? Someone always manages to find something I missed. Great info (and great eyes!) abound on this forum!

[MAP]

Isn't that something? Someone always manages to find something I missed. Great info (and great eyes!) abound on this forum!

Check on the inside where the holes are. There still might be some waffenfarbe material left so you can determine what color it is.

[DerFunker]

Brilliant thinking - I've just checked. They did a very thorough job of removing it, but there is a few tiny strands of black string or material left, so could possibly be Pionier.

[MAP]

Brilliant thinking - I've just checked. They did a very thorough job of removing it, but there is a few tiny strands of black string or material left, so could possibly be Pionier.

Yeah....it's tough being brilliant but glad it is someone humble like me! LoL!

Well. Good to hear it may be a Pioneer. Either way, It's a nice honest salty cap!