Item Description
Original Item: One-of-a-kind. This is an excellent example of a “True Crusher” visor cap by the Mid City Uniform Cap CO. of Chicago, Illinois. The cap has a worn/darkened celluloid lining on the top which makes the information difficult to read, but we can make out The Flyweight. The size label is still retained on the back which is a 7.
This is the classic "bombardier" headgear, worn by USAAF crewmen and pilots in Europe and the Pacific. Actually, this was the standard Army/AAF dress cap, worn by pilots and non-pilots alike, but pilots/crewmen 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 crewmen wore headsets over their caps during missions, 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 such as the case with this example.
A lovely example ready for display.
- This product is available for international shipping.
- Eligible for all payments - Visa, Mastercard, Discover, AMEX, Paypal & Sezzle
