Original U.S. WWII USAAF Named Winter Issue Officer Crush Visor Cap with ANB-H-I Headset Receiver - Captain Martin B. Pool

Original Item: Only One Available. This visor hat, in winter OD Green issue color, is in very good condition with the iconic "crush" shape. The leather sweatband is supple but is missing much of the stitching. This peaked cap features a gold tone WWII Army Overseas insignia over a leather visor. The cap is of the highest quality by Luxenberg and in good condition. The leather visor and chin strap shows signs of heavy use and wear, as is the sweatband. Size is approximately a US 7 (56cm). The visor is named under the sweatband to Captain Martin B. Pool, T.C. and has the rare wrap-around chinstrap.

It comes with the original microphones that the USAAF pilots used in the cockpit. The leather shows signs of heavy use, but is in good condition. It also has the original wire with it. The Receiver bears the markings:

RECEIVER
ANB-H-I
Western Electric
D173120

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