Code: 55960
A very rare original Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm officer's beret which was made by 'Scott & Co'.
This beret belonged to a pilot of the Fleet Air Arm called R C R Hallett. He joined the Royal Navy as a cadet in 1939 and made his way through the ranks during the war and is listed as a lieutenant by 1944. He went onto flying duties around this time and is noted as flying with 806 Squadron which was flying Seafire L.III's. His career carried on into the 1950s.
This pattern of beret was introduced in 1945 with the title 'Beret, WOrking Dress, Air Crews'. This is obviously a private purchases officer's example which is of higher quality than the issue example. It is made from a very dark navy blue coloured wool and features a grosgrain sweatband. A cotton ribbon runs through this and is tied in a bow at the rear of the hat. Two metal eyelets are located to the undersize and the interior of the beret is fully lined. There are two slits where a cap badge has previously been fitted and to the interior is a tombstone shaped section which is designed to support the badge when worn.
The original label is present to the interior and bears the Royal Appointment to King George VI which helps to date the beret roughly. It also bears the maker's name of 'Scott & Co' along with the address of 1 Old Bond Street, Piccadilly.
The beret is a size 6 7/8.
The condition of the cap is very good as can be seen in the pictures. It displays well with only limited signs of wear and age. There are no serious flaws or damage but please take time to study the pictures and bear in mind that this is a vintage, pre-worn item which may have small issues commensurate with age.
A rare original piece of Fleet Air Arm headwear which offers the chance of further research.
