Belgian Begetex Combat Cap (ABL)

"Begetex" is Belgian military surplus. Begetex was a major supplier to the Belgian Army (Armée Belge / Belgisch Leger).

• Model: These caps are often based on the M53 model, a soft cotton combat cap with a peak, also known as a "field cap."
• Features: The caps are usually made of olive green (OD green) cotton and bear a label with the text "SMD," the year (e.g., 1981), and the manufacturer's name "Begetex."

French Comparison (M52/M53)

Although Begetex is a Belgian manufacturer, the French army used a very similar model in the 1950s (including in Indochina and Algeria): the Mle 1952 or Mle 1953 "casquette de combat."

• Difference: The French variants were produced by French manufacturers and have labels with "Armée Française" or specific French depot stamps instead of the Belgian "ABL" and "Begetex" markings.

Size: 56