Crusher caps

[DougC]

I think I'd go with the US Wings version at half the price--they look the same and when I was in NYC this summer it didn't look like the Cockpit hat had a career in a WWII cockpit.

 

[crismans]

Wings seems to have the best pricing based on what little I've found (thanks for the other link, DougC). I thought I would look around a little more but it looks like it will be another order placed to Wings.

 

[scotrace]

See this:

http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?t=1185&highlight=crusher

And this, pending a probable merge:

http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?t=10223&highlight=crush

Diamond Cap Co. makes the best cap going, but you'll pay for that. (As always, YGWYPF) Matt Deckard had one and he let me have a look. It was really well made and looked 100% gen-yoo-ine.

 

[scottyrocks]

I did lot of research on this a couple of months ago. I wanted what I would call a 'passable' cap for not a lot of money. I am now convinced there is no such thing.

The US Wings version has been called a 'Noriega' hat due to its height. I believe someone here wrote that, with some work, it can be made to look authentically worn-in. I suppose thats true for many of the cheaper caps. I ordered one from another vendor for about the same price as the US Wings cap and was not impressed when I took it out of the box. I put it on my head, and then immediately put it back in the box to send back. It didnt feel like a hat. It felt like an 'object' sitting on my head. Im not gonna bad-mouth the vendor in public, but I am now of the opinion that the cheaper versions of these caps are not worth the money and time needed to 'fix' them, if they can be fixed at all.

 

[filfoster]

Crusher

I've had a few of these and the absolute best copy I've seen, based on the construction of the inner band and the peak and the tricot material, is offered by George Petersen of NCHS Inc of Springfield VA. The cap is great; the eagle not so much. The only problem is getting him when he's in town, he travels a lot. Website is www.nchsinc.com
These are his own, not someone else's that he carries. His stock is irregular but since you want the tan one, your odds are better.

 

[crismans]

Thanks for that link, filfoster. His site is a bit non-user friendly, unfortunately (I don't rule out that I'm just dense, however lol ). When you go to his user catalog, there's nothing to click on to see any merchandise.

 

[Zemke Fan]

Depending upon your noggin-size...

I'm wanting to pick up a crush cap--the type worn by pilots in WWII. I would like to get the khaki version like was worn in the Pacific theater. I know that US Wings offers a version of this. Does anyone know of any other vendors that have this cap for sale?

These come up OFTEN on eBay. I'd be patient -- unless you have a melon-sized head (such as mine). The originals are MUCH better. Of course, you want a fabric to match the uniform. Since I do an officer's impression, I had to wait YEARS before I found a tan one in worsted wool in 7-5/8! -- Col. Z.

 

[scotrace]

Always dashing, my dear Z-friend!

 

[Zemke Fan]

Need some vintage specs, SR...

Vintage eyeglasses are the ONLY thing still missing from the ensemble... What's REALLY STRANGE, however, is that BOTH the summer (tan) uniform and crusher in worsted wool are MUCH rarer than the winter (pinks and greens) and yet... do you think I can find an original tunic and crusher in the chocolate (green) color that fit? Nope. Not after FIVE years of looking!

But, thanks, Scott for the compliment!

 

[filfoster]

linked in

Thanks for that link, filfoster. His site is a bit non-user friendly, unfortunately (I don't rule out that I'm just dense, however lol ). When you go to his user catalog, there's nothing to click on to see any merchandise.

His site is under SLOW construction. You have to call him. His number is on the site under "contact" and shows his scheduled hours in the store. I know he's headed to Thailand next week but he's in today and tomorrow. Give him a call. He's an encyclopedia of knowledge on WWII uniforms. A lot of people claim that, but he really is. He's been in the business for over 40 years; is a Vietnam vet and furnishes uniforms for many service museums, e.g. USAF and Marines.

 

[USAAFAcePilot]

CRUSHER SIZING QUESTION

As you fellas all know, I want to buy a crusher cap, but don't know what size to order it in.

My hat size 23 inches. Should crusher caps have a loose fit, or a tight fit? What hat size should I order?

THANKS GUYS!

-USAAFAcePilot

 

[duggap]

If I remember right, a 23" is a 7 and 3/8. If your hat only comes in small, medium, large, etc, you would probably want a large. Hope that helps.

 

[Dixon Cannon]

Make sure you post a photo when you get that thing! Tell us about the quality and craftsmanship too.

-dixon cannon

 

[USAAFAcePilot]

what about 7 3/4 for me?

 

[Dixon Cannon]

You are always better to have slightly larger than even a little bit smaller. Padding the liner/sweatband with
some material will often tighten up a hat that is slightly too big (like after having your ears lowered to USAAF regs!)

-dixon cannon

 

[USAAFAcePilot]

CURRENT GARCIA AVIATION "50 MISSION CRUSHER CAP"

More crusher talk.

Anything? Pictures? Experience? Stories?

 

[USAAFAcePilot]

http://www.garciaaviation.com/cgi-l...cart_id=1889973.15062*5Z8R24&p_id=01048&xm=on

Just in case......

 

[USAAFAcePilot]

Guys?

 

[Jabos]

If you want any detail pics of my two original Bancroft flighters, let me know. Both were worn by my grandfather. Those Diamond look super authentic. I hate the "almost" crushers, like in Pearl Harbor.

A story: my grandfather was a P-38 pilot in Europe from D-Day to the end of the war. The hat I have on in my avitar is his original. The other my son wears my grandfather literally found around one of the bases. Turns out it was owned by the squadron commander, Ramsey. I don't think my grandfather ever knew it, or cared if he did know it. I noticed the faint name Ramsey under the center of the brim just a few years ago and pointed it out to him. It is really beaten up, and probably a 6 7/8 or smaller. My grandfather would wear it as far back on his head as possible, in the most unmilitary manner. He loved it because it was already beaten up when he found it so it made him look even less like a junior birdman. Since he wore it so much, he didn't wear his first much. I'll post a pic for you.

 

[Jabos]

Here he is with the better crusher. He admitted he grew the stache to look cool for the pic-his best attempt to look like a hot pilot.

Here he is, bottom row, second from left, with Ramsey's cast off crusher. Note how far back he is wearing it.
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Here he is drunk at the EM club, third from left bottom. On far left at bottom is Ramsey. The EM behind my grandfather wearing cap looking at the camera is his crew chief, Newhouse. Oh, the stories about Newhouse.
http://

Last, one of my favorite pics of my grandfather's buddy MacKenzie. Does it get any better than that? It is '44, wearing your crusher and B-3 standing with your P-38.
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Okay, there is a story and pics in the crusher theme.