Original U.S. WWII USAAF Officer “Flighter” Khaki Crush Cap By Bancroft with ANB-H-1 Headset
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Original Item. Only One Available. This visor cap, in summer Khaki issue color, was made by Bancroft. It is in well-worn but nice condition with the iconic "crush" shape. The sweatband is embossed with FLIGHTER by BANCROFT with Visor Pat No. 2369275. The patent number indicates that this is a Post-February 1945 example. This peaked cap features a gold tone WWII Army Overseas insignia over a leather visor. Also included is a very worn and partially damaged ANB-H-1 headset.
The cap is in good shape, but it is definitely well worn. The leather brim and chin strap are in very good condition, as is the sweatband. However the celluloid lining is gone, leaving the Bancroft diamond label. There is no size marking but it’s roughly size 7 ⅛.
The included ANB-H-1 headset is heavily worn with the housing on one side cracking a bit. The leather covers show heavy wear, and the wire is retained though it is damaged and taped.
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.
A lovely example of a wartime-manufactured cap with heavy service wear. Comes ready for further research and display.
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