Original Item: Only One Available. This visor cap, in winter OD Green issue color, is in very good condition with the iconic "crush" shape. It features wicker frame construction and a leather sweatband which is supple and complete. The cap is of two piece construction, with the crown and band/visor being two different pieces, held together by the chin strap buttons. This peaked cap features a gold tone WWII Army Overseas insignia over a leather visor. The cap is in size 6 7/8, as marked on the outer shell and the visor band, and was most likely bespoke, so there is no maker marking.

The cap is in very good condition, with no major issues to speak of. The leather brim and chin strap are in very good condition, as is the sweatband. This cap also has a rear chin strap, which is not often encountered. These are most likely to help keep the cap tight on the head. The fabric is somewhat faded, and does show wear, however this just adds to the look of a well broken-in crush cap.

Ready to display!

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.