Original Items: Only One Set Available. We were fortunate to receive a collection of items that were believed to have belonged to Captain James V. Joines. However, we have not been able to verify this claim, as there is only a label to support it. Despite our best efforts, we have not been able to find any information about his service during the war, which makes it a perfect candidate for further research.

The collection consists of several items that are of great interest to military history enthusiasts and collectors. Included in the set is a Flighter brand crusher cap, which has been well-worn and appears to have seen a lot of action. There are also a pair of Sterling Pilot Wings, which appear to be in excellent condition, and a worn, stained Blood Chit as well as (2) shoulder sleeve insignia.

The blood chit consists of a rectangular piece of fabric bearing the Chinese National Flag printed with Chinese Characters. Measuring around 10 ¾ inches by 8 inches, it was designed to be stitched on the back or inside lining of a U.S. Aviator flight jacket. Despite its age, the chit still bears visible signs of use, such as staining and hard fold lines, which give us a glimpse into its rich history. Sadly, the chit is in a very worn condition with some tearing damage, making it extremely fragile. Despite its delicate state, it remains a valuable reminder of the sacrifices made by the brave pilots who once wore it.

A blood chit is a notice carried by military personnel and addressed to any civilians who may come across an armed-services member – such as a shot-down pilot – in difficulties. As well as identifying the force to which the bearer belongs as friendly, the notice displays a message requesting that the service member be rendered every assistance.

During World War II, the U.S. Crusher Cap, also known as the “Fifty Mission Cap”, was a piece of headgear that gained popularity among military personnel. This particular cap was made by Bancroft and was issued in the Summer Khaki color scheme. The company's name is visible on both the crown and sweatband of the cap.

The cap is roughly size 6 ⅞ and has a worn-out appearance due to honest use and decades of storage wear. Although it has been extensively used, it retains its original iconic "crush" shape. However, it does unfortunately have moth damage present, which is mostly concealed by the “floppy” crusher appearance of the cap.

The sweatband of the cap is worth noting as it is embossed in gold with “FLIGHTER by BANCROFT.” The patent number and “Curve Control” are also visible on the sweatband. Moreover, the Bancroft label is still somewhat visible underneath the now stiffened weatherproof lining in the crown.

Overall, this U.S. Crusher Cap holds historical significance and is a testament to the bravery of the soldiers who wore them during WWII.

Overall this is a fantastic set and perfect for further research and display.

History
The idea of blood chit originates from 1793 when French balloonist Jean-Pierre Blanchard demonstrated his hot air balloon in the United States. Because he could not control the direction of the balloon, no one knew where he would land. Because Blanchard did not speak English, George Washington gave him a letter that said that all U.S. citizens were obliged to assist him to return to Philadelphia.

In World War I, British Royal Flying Corps pilots in India and Mesopotamia carried a "goolie chit" printed in four local languages that promised a reward to anyone who would bring an unharmed British aviator back to British lines. The British officer John Masters recorded in his autobiography that Pathan women in the North-West Frontier Province (1901–1955) of British India (now modern day Pakistan) during the Anglo-Afghan Wars would behead and castrate non Muslim soldiers who were captured, like British and Sikhs.

In the Second Sino-Japanese War prior to World War II, foreign volunteer pilots of Flying Tigers carried notices printed in Chinese that informed the locals that this foreign pilot was fighting for China and they were obliged to help them. A text from one such blood chit translates as follows:

I am an American airman. My plane is destroyed. I cannot speak your language. I am an enemy of the Japanese. Please give me food and take me to the nearest Allied military post. You will be rewarded.

United States Armed Forces
When the U.S. officially entered World War II in December 1941, flight crew survival kits included blood chits printed in 50 different languages that sported an American flag and promised a reward for a safe return of a pilot. The kit might also include gifts like gold coins, maps or sewing needles. Many U.S. flight crews that flew over Asia had their "blood chit" sewn to the back of their flight jackets. Some units added the blood chit to the crew's flight suits while other units gave the blood chit out only for specific flights.