Original U.S. WWII Summerweight Tan Crusher Cap by Philadelphia Maker

Original Item: One-of-a-kind. One of the most iconic pieces of headgear to come out of WWII was the U.S. Crusher Cap, or “Fifty Mission Cap”. This visor cap, in tan khaki issue color, was made by a Philadelphia maker who we can’t identify due to the heavy wear of the celluloid sweat protector. The first name is Frank, so this could be found out with some research. The cap is not marked with size but is roughly 7 1/8. The outward appearance is rather flat due to the “crusher” construction with worn from honest use, and decades of storage wear. It retains the original iconic "crush" shape. The sweatband is perforated with a pattern as shown for better air flow. 

This example gives a sort of “theater-made” look despite being made in Philadelphia. The cap eagle appears smaller and the visor and chinstrap are very shiny, almost having the appearance of plastic. 

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 crusher cap identified its wearer as an experienced pilot, and was as much a part of his identity as his leather flight jacket. The crusher cap look quickly became popular with ground army officers and general officers as well.

This is a great example with an iconic look, ready for display.