Original U.S. WWII USAAF Named Summerweight Tan Crusher Cap with Philadelphia Quartermaster Depot Stamp - E.T. Cainer - Size 7 ¼

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 for the Philadelphia Quartermaster Depot as indicated by a stamp under the sweatband. This example also has the AAF wrap-around chinstrap. There is also a name under the sweatband, E.T. CAINER, or something similar. A good research project. The cap is marked with size 7 1/4. The outward appearance is rather flat due to the “crusher” construction worn from honest use, and decades of storage wear. It retains the original iconic "crush" shape.

This example gives a sort of “theater-made” look despite being made in Philadelphia. The visor and chinstrap are very shiny, almost having the appearance of plastic. The QM stamp has a date of September 1st, 1944. The sweatband is missing much of its stitching.

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.