Heer Panzer EM/NCO's M34 Overseas Cap

The M34 cap was worn by EM/NCO’s until the introduction of the newly designed M42 overseas cap on July 21st 1942. Although based on the modified, M34, field-grey, overseas cap as introduced in October 1935, the black version of the overseas cap wasn’t introduced until March 27th 1940, as Panzer, crews were being issued with the black Panzer beret previous to that.

High early, high quality black wool construction cap with fold down side and back panels with gently sloping, downward scallops to the front and forward sides. The fold down panels are handstitched in the upright position at the front center of the cap. The cap has a ventilation grommet positioned to either side, positioned just below the crown edge. The front center of the cap has a machine woven national eagle on a cut-out, woven black rayon base. The front center of the fold down panels has a machine woven national tri-color cockade, on a black rayon, diamond shaped base. Both the eagle and the cockade are neatly handstitched to the cap. The cap also has pink rayon soutache flanking the cockade indicating service with the panzer troops. The soutache has been applied in the correct manner, being machine stitched in place and inserted through two small puncture holes near the bottom edge of the cap. The interior of the cap is fully lined in ribbed, grey cotton. Lining is well marked with a faded maker mark, size mark “56” and year of production “1940”, all in black ink. The cap is in good condition with no holes, tears or mendings. There is light signs of real use though with light wear to all exposed parts as well as stains from use to the lining.

Scarce cap in a really nice slightly used condition!!