Item:
ONSV21ECC112

Original U.S. WWII USAAF Pilot Crush Cap with ANB-H-1 Receivers Headset

Item Description

Original Item: Only One Available. One pair of WWII USAAF ANB-H-1 Receivers with large rubber surrounds which have finished chamois padding, much like the inside of a flight helmet. These are attached to an adjustable leather covered steel headband. They are maker marked with intact fabric covered wiring, which still has an intact end plug. Also included is a winter green/brown issue in excellent condition with the iconic "crush" shape. The interior leather sweatband is in great condition.

This is the classic "bomber pilot" headgear, worn by USAAF pilots in Europe and the Pacific. Actually, this was the standard Army/AAF officer's 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 such as the case with this example that was worn by a doctor in the USAAF.
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