Original U.S. WWII Named USAAF Officer OD Green Crush Cap By Society Brand Headwear - Size 6 7/8
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Original Item: One-of-a-kind. This is an excellent condition WWII issue USAAF Visor cap, in Winter Issue OD Green color. The cap was made by Society Brand Headwear, as indicated on the crown label, and it is named on the yellow band on the inside to CHARLES M. WALLACE / O874113. We have had many caps over the years, but few in such great condition, with an original name on the inside.
The cap is in great shape, with the iconic "crush" shape that everyone loves. The sweatband is embossed with AIRFLOW, and the underside of the crown is marked SOCIETY BRAND HAT CO. ST. LOUIS, MO. under the brand name on the sticker. This peaked cap features a gold tone WWII Army Overseas insignia over a leather visor. It features a very nice leather chin strap, as well as a size adjustment strap going around the back of the cap. The cap still has the original size tag under the sweat band on the right rear side: 6 7/8.
The cap is in great shape, with only minor staining to the fabric and a few small holes. The leather brim and chin strap are in very good condition, as is the sweatband. There does not look to be any popped stitching or other issues that we usually see. Also the celluloid plastic top liner has discolored over time, but it is still intact.
This is the classic "bomber pilot" headgear, worn by USAAF pilots in Europe and the Pacific. Actually, this was the standard Army/AAF officer dress cap, worn by pilots and non-pilots alike, but pilots gave this cap their own unique twist. Normally, this cap had stiffeners -- a support piece behind the cap device and a wire around the inside top perimeter to maintain the cap's round shape. These kept the cap in its proper, regulation military shape and angle. However, since bomber pilots wore headsets over their caps during flights, they would remove the wire stiffener to make headset wear more comfortable, causing the sides of the caps to become crushed. Eventually, the caps retained their floppy "crushed" look, giving the pilot who wore it the look of a seasoned veteran.
The crush cap identified its wearer as an experienced pro, and was as much a part of his identity as his leather flight jacket. The crush cap look quickly became popular with ground army officers and general officers.
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