Original U.S. WWII USAAF Service-Worn Officer “Flighter” Khaki Crush Cap By Bancroft - Wartime Manufacture
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Original Item: One-of-a-kind. This visor cap, in summer Khaki issue color, was made by Bancroft. It is in extremely well-worn condition with the iconic "crush" shape. The sweatband is embossed with FLIGHTER by BANCROFT with Visor Pat Pend. and Curve Control. The “Patent Pending” indicates that this is a wartime manufactured cap, not a post-war example. This peaked cap features a gold tone WWII Army Overseas insignia over a leather visor.
The cap is in rough shape with heavy wear across, and some material loss in the leather. The leather brim and chin strap are in crazed condition, as is the sweatband which shows very heavy cracking. However the celluloid lining is entirely gone.
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.
A rough example of a wartime-manufactured cap with heavy service wear. Comes ready for further research and display.
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