Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice "salty" service used example of a German WWII Heer Infantry EM-NCO M42 overseas cap (Schiffchen), with relatively heavy period wear from service. The overseas cap, nicknamed in German military slang as Schiffchen, or literally "little ship" as it resembled an up-turned row-boat, was standard issue for all branches of the Heer. The M42 overseas cap was introduced for EM/NCO personnel during July 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.

This example is constructed of a field gray (feldgrau) wool exterior, with olive gray rayon lining. It features a fine BeVo machine embroidered Wehrmachtadler eagle on the front top over a National tri-color cockade insignia, with the correct light gray threads for the mid war period, 1940-1944. It has the correct two side vents, and the fold down flaps are secured in front by two pebbled magnetic buttons, which look to originally have been painted green. The tack stitch holding the front of the fold down flap in place is still in place, so it doesn't look to have ever been put into the cold weather configuration. We checked the lining, and we were not able to find any markings, however it seems to be about a size 56cm.

Condition of the cap shows that it saw extensive use during the war. This cap originally had the fuzzy exterior seen on field caps, but it has been mostly worn away, preserved now only under and inside the side flaps. There are also small holes, some light moth damage, and areas where the stitching has pulled out. It shows overall staining from use, and lifting up the side flaps definitely shows the variation in color due to wear.

A very nice "Salty" service used M42 overseas cap, one of the very few that we have ever had, ready to add to your collection!