M43 Luftwaffe Trapezoid Eagle 'Ski Cap' Insignia

From a small collection of breast eagles, cap badges, and uniform medals etc acquired from a veteran's family of WW2 1945 German POW surrendered combatants. Taken from German uniforms worn by the captured soldiers and officers.

Luftwaffe NCOs wore two main styles of ski caps, or Bergmütze. These caps featured fold-down ear and neck flaps secured by either one or two pebbled buttons.The primary variants they wore included, Luftwaffe Mountain Cap (1937 Pattern)
Originally introduced for skiing and mountain sports. It was later authorized for signals and Flak (anti-aircraft) troops stationed in mountainous regions. This cap was made of blue-grey wool or cotton twill and had a slightly shorter visor than standard caps.

Officially introduced in 1943, the M43 replaced earlier side caps and was based directly on the ski cap designs of the Gebirgsjäger (mountain troops). These were widely worn by Luftwaffe ground units and Flak crews.Insignia & Distinguishing Features:Both caps were adorned with the Luftwaffe national eagle emblem and a national tricolour cockade.
NCO (Unteroffizier) caps were unpiped (lacking the silver or gold twisted cords reserved for officers).

Code: 26262