Original Item. Only One Available. This is a well-preserved American B-2-style winter flying cap, constructed from brown leather-finished sheepskin with a thick natural wool interior, folding ear flaps, and a stiff leather visor. Its design closely follows the Type B-2 winter flying cap standardized for the U.S. Army Air Corps shortly before WWII, a practical piece of cold-weather headgear that became popular among American aviation personnel.

The crown is assembled from shaped shearling panels joined by prominent reinforced stitching, with additional leather binding along the seams and lower edges. The interior retains its thick cream-colored wool fleece, extending into the folding ear flaps to provide insulation around the sides and back of the head. The visor has a brown leather upper surface, a dark green textured underside, and stitched leather edging.

Two woven manufacturer's labels remain attached to the interior. One bears a circular trademark and the name ROCKY Sportswear, while the second identifies The Rockmore Company and displays the size designation L (Large). Despite its original size designation, the leather appears to have contracted over time due to age and wear, making the piece better suited to a modern size Small (6¾ or 54 cm). These are commercial labels, and the cap carries no identifiable Army Air Forces contract or specification marking. Its precise manufacturing date and military issue status remain undetermined.

The cap remains in good overall condition, showing considerable age and handling wear to the leather exterior. The crown exhibits widespread surface crazing, creasing, and areas of finish loss, while the visor displays several pronounced age cracks. The natural shearling interior is particularly well preserved, retaining a thick, full fleece with expected age toning and some localized soiling. The reinforcing seams remain largely intact, and both manufacturer's labels are still legible.

Historical Context

The U.S. Army standardized the Cap, Flying, Winter, Type B-2 on April 21, 1939, as part of its efforts to improve aviation clothing for personnel operating under different weather conditions. Developed alongside the lightweight Type B-1 summer flying cap, the B-2 was intended to provide warmth while retaining the convenient shape of a conventional billed cap.

The B-2 was manufactured from approximately ¼-inch shearling, with the leather surface finished brown and the natural wool fleece facing inward. This construction provided insulation while remaining relatively lightweight and flexible. The folding ear flaps could be lowered in cold weather or turned upward when additional protection was unnecessary, while the stiff leather visor helped shield the wearer's eyes from sunlight and glare.

The cap entered service during a period of rapid development in American military aviation. At the time of its standardization, the Army Air Corps was expanding its aircraft inventory and preparing for increasingly demanding operations. Following the establishment of the U.S. Army Air Forces in June 1941, aviation clothing continued to evolve as American aircrews began operating in a wider range of climates and combat conditions.

During WWII, shearling became an important material in American cold-weather aviation equipment. Its insulating properties made it especially useful for personnel exposed to low temperatures, including aircrews operating at altitude and ground personnel working around aircraft in winter conditions. Shearling garments formed part of the familiar flying clothing worn by American aviators during the war, particularly in the early and middle years of the conflict.

The B-2 was popular with American airmen for its warmth and convenient design. It could be worn during routine flying duties when a full flying helmet was unnecessary, as well as while working on the ground. Its close-fitting crown also accommodated certain radio headset arrangements used in aircraft with enclosed cockpits.

On June 2, 1942, the Army changed the B-2's classification to Limited Standard, reflecting changes in aviation clothing requirements. As combat experience accumulated, greater attention was given to protective headgear that could accommodate communications equipment, oxygen masks, and goggles while providing improved protection from cold and potential flash burns. Wartime guidance increasingly encouraged combat aircrews to use full protective flying helmets. Nevertheless, the B-2 remained popular among personnel who appreciated its comfort and practicality.

The basic B-2 configuration also had applications in civilian cold-weather clothing. Its leather-finished sheepskin construction, insulating ear flaps, and stiff visor suited winter sportswear and general outdoor use. Commercial manufacturers adopted this practical form for winter caps, including examples bearing private-label sportswear markings.

The cap offered here retains the distinctive construction of this American aviation-inspired design, together with its Rocky Sportswear and Rockmore Company labels. Its substantial surviving shearling, reinforced leather crown, and well-worn exterior give it an appealing appearance representative of traditional American cold-weather leather headgear.