WH (Heer) EM/NCO's M40 Tropical Cap

WH (Heer) DAK EM/NCO's M40 Tropical Cap (Tropenfeldmütze). In late 1940, with the impending German entrance into the North African campaign, tropical uniforms and equipment were quickly developed and issued in time for DAK personnel's arrival in Tripoli in February 1941. Originally the tropical uniforms were only intended for wear in North Africa but that was later expanded to include personnel serving in southern areas of continental Europe during the summer months. The M40 tropical cap is complete with original applied insignia including a nicely hand-sewn tropical BeVo-woven WH style cap eagle and nicely hand-sewn black/white/red national tri-color cockade. Originally the tropical caps had a branch of service soustache applied to the front, but regulations of 10 July 1942 abolished the use of the soutache, the traces of the remove soutache are clearly visible. The cap is nicely maker marked by the 'Schlesische Mützenfabrik Frankenstein' being a highly desirable manufacturer. The cap is size 56 marked and is dated 1941. The cap is showing normal traces of usage giving it a great slighlty worn look. Hard to find original early Tropical 'Afrikakorps' cap in good truly used and worn condition!