Original U.S. WWII US Army Air Forces Officers Crusher Cap by Commander with Wrap-Around Chinstrap - Size 7⅛

Original Item. Only One Available. This visor cap, in summerweight khaki wool, was made by “Air Force Commander” and is marked under the sweat shield, although it is heavily worn and very difficult to read fully. We haven’t found much about this maker, but it is certainly of the period.

The size is marked as 7 ⅛ but the size sticker is loose on the interior of the sweatshield. It features a desirable "wrap around" double chinstrap, which has a rear portion that can be used to make the fit of the cap slightly tighter when desired.

The cap is worn but in very nice condition with the iconic "crush" shape. This peaked cap features a gold tone WWII Officer’s Eagle device (of unknown maker) which is heavily worn over the flexible single layer visor. Weatherproofing within the lining is very worn. The sweatband is also marked as having an “Analine Finish” and an E-Z Cushion. There is a name written on the interior under the washer for the cap badge, but the ink has bled heavily and we can’t make it out. There is verdigris on the backs of the buttons.

This is the classic WWII aviator 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 aviator, and was as much a part of his identity as his leather flight jacket.

The combination of the A-2 Flight Jacket, paired with a crusher cap, is a look synonymous with WWII Aviation as much today as it was during the Second World War!