Börje Brotell's sidecap

Type: Side cap (Kesälakki, "suikka")

Branch: Armoured forces

Material: Black wool

Manufacturer: Unknown, custom tailored

Manufacturing year: ~1944

Markings: No visible markings

This hat is a custom made hat originally belonging to Börje Brotell, a Finnish Tank Ace with the most kills credited to him. He served in the Finnish volunteers battalion in the Waffen-SS until he was wounded. He then joined the Armour brigade. He scored 11 kills in the battle of Tali-Ihantala.

The hat itself is made out of a fairly rough wool. The shape follows the German style fairly closely, but retains some details from the Finnish m/22 - such as the two buttons on the side and the use of double cockades. One of the side buttons is m/27 button, the other m/22 button. The green-yellow insignia is original Lagus Armour Division -badge.

It is a unique hat and there are no others out there like it. A curious example of a unique item none the less.

This hat belongs to the collection of Parola Armour Museum.