A beautiful original USAAF ‘50 missions’ Crusher cap as worn by aviators in the U.S. Army Air Force during the Second World War.
This style of cap is referred to as a ‘50 missions’ cap due to its crushed shape and were popular with airman as a cap of this shape was suppose to mark out a veteran. Many companies started producing this style of cap during the war due to the demand.
This cap is a true 'crusher' as the peak is flexible and can be folded together. These caps are the most sort after style of American Officers cap today. This is not a standard service cap which has had the wire stiffener removed etc, but a hat made in the crusher style.
The main body of the hat is made from a olive drab wool elastique material referred to as shade OD51 and is in excellent condition with no signs of mothing. The interior is lined with a gold rayon which shows signs of heavy wear. The leather sweatband is intact but some of the stitching has come away towards the rear but this could be repaired.
The cap badge and buttons are all original, as is the chinstrap. All are in excellent condition. The peak has some scuffs to the top side and lots of soiling to the underside where it has been handled.
There is an officers name written in ink to the underside of the peak which I have yet to decipher but proves that it is a periodnissued item none-the-less.
The cap is roughly a size 7 and it fits well on a standard size display head.
Overall, a fantastic original cap which would is truely a ‘50 missions’ example. It would compliment any collection or be ideal for a re-enactor who wants ‘the real deal’.
