WW2 US AAF Officer Visor Cap Crusher – Berkshire . HU1290

United States WW2 Army Officer Visor Cap. AAF (Army Air Force) crusher. Nice crusher shape and Army Officer visor eagle. Cap with officer mohair band. The visor peak is relatively thin with some flexibility to it. Interior dome area is worn condition and has marker insignia attached for Berkshire Caps, U.S. Army Officers Cap. Leather sweatband is also marked: Hygieatan certified leather. I do not see a size tag, however, the cap appears to be about a size 6 7/8 to about size 7 using a cap sizing tool. Visor cap has both front and rear chin straps (often associated with the Air Corps). Worn condition with a nice crusher appearance.

Additional Notes: Basically, a visor cap made to be a crusher typically has a thin single layer leather visor (Bancroft Flighter being one of the most famous) and a body that was flexible so they could be stuffed into a pocket. Service caps have a thick non-bending visor and a stiffer body. That being said, any cap worn at any time by an officer who flew either as a pilot, navigator, bombardier, or whatever that has been shaped (crushed) and/or had it’s ring in the crown removed is also typically called a “crusher”. The US Army Air Force crusher visor cap is typically characterized by its unique “crushed” shape. This cap was designed to be worn comfortably under headsets, allowing for a more relaxed fit and comfort during flights. The cap’s design was a result of the pilots’ need to remove stiffeners and grommets from their service caps to facilitate the use of headsets, leading to the iconic “crush” look. This cap became a symbol of experience and professionalism among pilots, often worn by ground army officers and general officers as well. The cap is often made from cotton twill construction with a leather visor, sweatband, chinstrap, and gold plate eagle buttons, and is often associated with the European theater in WW2.

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