Powered by Invision Community. Hence the birth of the crusher that we continue to discuss 70+ years later. Click & Collect . I think you hit the nail on the head, if there was money to be made in wartime by selling specialized caps to American officers, several companies would be happy to step up and fill that demand. Axis History Forum. Basically, a cap made to be a crusher 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. Return to “Reenactment” Jump to. One of the most respected brands of any Pilots Caps ever worn. The crusher mystique, as I understand it, was born from the images of the daring American airmen who were the first to strike back at Germany in the air war over Europe. Nothing. 1 bid. Was: £20.79. Pilots gave this cap their own unique twist with removing the stiffeners. Shop with confidence. Prototypes of the new uniforms have included a cap based on the “crusher” cap worn by flight crews in WWII. Nothing. As the trend developed, it became a sort of "badge of honor" for pilots in the AAF, on par with jump boots for paratroopers, or an unbuttoned top tunic button for RAF fighter pilots, for example. but I've recently been interested in getting some American stuff to add to the collection, I got a nice GI helmet locally from ww2-60s era a while back, and a few badges, but I really would like to find a nice USAAF pilot's "crusher cap". It's probably a strictly American fad to flaunt a floppy crusher cap to show rookies, women, and the world that you're a seasoned combat veteran. Now, that being said, if you want an actual aviator’s cap, I’d look for one that is named to one. Its a WW2 US AAF 50 Mission Crusher Cap, The ( Lewis Fly Weighter ) brand. I like the Officer caps in general, but I personally think that a USAAF one for the collection would be great, but as I understand it, it's quite hard to differentiate between air force and army, as they wore the same pattern of cap, except sometimes the air force guys would wear crusher caps, remove stiffeners etc. By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use. Chino color, brown leather visor, Usaaf metal badge, leather chinstrap with two small American eagle buttons. Here is a September, 1944 ad from Bancroft. Donning originals today can be a risky prospect...a lasting piece of WWII history should be preserved as well as possible. Five percent? All these terms live very well in the net, auctions, militaria shops etc. For example, flight crews were authorized to remove the stiffener from the crown of the service cap to facilitate the use of headphones while wearing it. make offer - ww2 german "elite"infantrie, dot 44 camo "crusher" cap (replica) with face mask WW2 GERMAN "ELITE" PANZER, DOT 44 CAMO "CRUSHER" CAP (REPLICA) $35.00 The US did not have a textile crisis during the war, had enormous manufacturing capacity, and elastique wool was absolutely the requirement for officer's caps as per regulations. A crush Cap is exactly as it sounds a cap that could be crushed and still retain its original form. Repro WWII WW2 GERMAN ARMY ELITE OFFICER WOOL VISOR HAT MILITARY CAP SIZE M. £18.50. EvergreenState, Thanks for the replies. £200.00. How many of them have "Crushers” on their heads? Is there any information that the AAF Service Cap must have its construction to crush it? Does WWII era "The Officerꞌs Guide" tell anything about the "crusher" as a Service Cap for the AAF? by Karl_Dönitz » 28 Nov 2020, 07:59, Post Get Price. Which is why I said it is probably one of the most expensive US caps to obtain, demand drives prices up. The "Visor Pat. I also understand that ones made by certain brands like Bancroft are specifically made for USAAF personnel? WW2 German Visor Caps Please find below a sample of our range of reproduction WW2 German Visor Caps. This cap is brand new and ready for reenactment wear or display. by Karl_Dönitz » 19 Nov 2020, 19:19, Post WW2 German Officer Hat, Crusher Cap, Karl Kroenen mask, Hellboy prop, fetish, £25.00. For example, pre-WWII and early WWII Service Caps manufactured by The Hub Schneiderꞌs were so delicate and soft with so pliable wicker frame as well as with so thin and soft visor that it is very easy to crush such a cap. But you're right, it's not like every single USAAF officer had a crusher and no one else in the army did. Close. eBay. So, is it a crusher from logical point of view? Search "crusher cap" on here, lots of discussions. US Army Officers VISOR CAP - All Sizes - WW2 Crusher Service Hat. The crush cap identified its wearer as an experienced pro, and was as much a part of his identity as his leather flight jacket. $225 is about going price maybe a little lower. They are soft, well made, and an icon amoung the pilots. The IMA Crush Caps recreate that "50 Mission" look without having to fly 50 missions. The crusher look came about when flight crews were allowed to remove the stiffeners in the caps. I believe it's taken from M1938 per web. Log in sign up. It has a backstrap, while not an indicator of being a USAAF one, I heard backstraps are found on some flight caps. The fate of the quot crusher quot cap. For example, "And those caps were manufactured of what was on hand in the years of wartime textile crisis, not necessarily of elastique gabardine as it is promoted today not known by whom and why." Post Authentic detail. How many of them have "Crushers” on their heads? Hard concept for a foreigner to understand I suppose. His passing was unfortunate. It's easy! 2, AR 600-35, and Par. I always enjoy looking at officer caps! See more ideas about wwii, world war two, german soldiers ww2. See more ideas about wwii, world war two, german soldiers ww2. The AAFers had to wear standard US Army Service Cap without one or two things depending on the owner (either without wire stiffener or riser, or both). It's touching the right wing of the eagle. Your observations are definitely made from an outside point-of-view. WW2 WWII GERMAN ELITE OFFICER HAT WOOL VISOR CRUSHER CAP YELLOW PIPE SIZE XL. Long story short, if you were a 21 year old pilot who was allowed to wear a cool cap to go with your silver wings, why not? $225 USD on eBay. User account menu. Sold Date; Source eBay ** Independence Day Sale** Due to the current economic climate, we have decided to do a sale as our nation honors its heroes of generations past, this Independence Day Weekend. Shop with confidence on eBay! If it's real that is... Also the material looks different on this Bancroft one, not like the fur material on the top one. We have a great online selection at the lowest prices with Fast & Free shipping on many items! Today anything of the US WWII Service Caps is a "crusher" to call for it $300, 400 and 500 or 3,000 if personalized. | Browse our daily deals for even more savings! Shop from the world's largest selection and best deals for Ww2 German Cap in Wwii Militaria Hats & Helmets. Check out my eBay page, I sell military insignia and just about anything else I come acrossLink: https://www.ebay.com/sch/fitzkeemilitaria/m.html?item=223497878518&hash=item340982fbf6%3Ag%3ASs4AAOSw-llcxhqe&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2562, Please check out my web page as well for more items for sale. Sign up for a new account in our community. Forget about the tips..We'll get hell to pay (AC/DC), "If you cant get out and run with the big dogs then sit on the porch and bark at the cars going by..", US MILITARIA FORUM - COLLECTORS PRESERVING HISTORY, https://www.ebay.com/sch/fitzkeemilitaria/m.html?item=223497878518&hash=item340982fbf6%3Ag%3ASs4AAOSw-llcxhqe&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2562, http://www.usmilitariaforum.com/forums/index.php?/topic/303005-please-dont-try-to-bend-an-army-officers-cap-visor-to-prove-its-a-crusher/?hl=crusher, http://www.usmilitariaforum.com/forums/index.php?/topic/244871-15th-air-force-b-17-navigator-grouping-part-2/?hl=glenn&do=findComment&comment=1955382. Must todayꞌs collector or reenactor have a Crusher to be happy? Bomber and fighter aircrews had to wear headsets over their service cap during flight, so they would remove the stiffening wire from the cap. He went on to fly for the Air Transport Command in England, but retained the cap throughout his time in the service, as seen below after his return to the States in late 1945. To buy a genuine Crusher could cost you a small fortune. Shop with confidence. The Visor Cap, or Service Cap, is essentially the primary dress headgear of servicemen and it bears, in the case of the Army and Army Air Corps, the insignia of the coat of arms of the United States. Of course regulations are not going to mention a cap that is non-regulation. Does anyone have a m34 crusher cap pattern? It would appear it was born of necessity, not regulation. My late father trained as a bomber pilot. Mr. Harold Jones aka “pzrwest” passed away January 15, 2018. Todayꞌs crusher lobby has nothing to do with history and logic. Some moth holes on top. Axis History Forum. 0 bids. Mar 19, 2014 - Our WWII USAAF '50 Mission Crush Cap worn by Army AIr Force pilots. The number of possible combinations of visor caps worn by the German Forces in World War Two (different wool colours, band colours, Waffenfarbe piping colours, types of insignia, peak type, Schirmmutzen or Crusher) means we cannot list them all. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. WWII US Army Air Force 50 missions crusher hat. by fusilier1944 » 20 Nov 2020, 19:13, Post The only thing that bothers me is the olive branch on the front shield. The removal of the grommet and spring stiffening allow for the wearing of a headset over the cap, nothing more. It's probably a strictly American fad to flaunt a floppy crusher cap to … by Karl_Dönitz » 29 Nov 2020, 18:47. hope you can understand it. Nothing made an aviator look more seasoned than when sporting a floppy, crumpled cap riding at a jaunty angle atop his head. No more than 10. We are also the only authorized manufacturer of the iconic Bancroft Flighter, the most famous crusher cap of WWII.Our reproduction Flighters are identical in every aspect to the originals from WWII. We provide made-to-order crusher caps with your choice of fabric, color of lining, and style of braid. If not, though, I'll still keep an eye out on eBay for these caps as they genuinely interest me, and I hope to add a nice Bancroft brand one to my collection (unless of course another cap that happens to be another brand turns up too). The classic “crusher” is the Bancroft Flighter. I only knew him from the 1/6 scale modeling forums and here. You can search on here for many threads on Flighters. WWII Officer's Crusher Cap Repro. Real lightweight model with flexible visor and frame. The crusher mythology is unusual. £3.70 postage. US Army Officers VISOR CAP - All Sizes - WW2 Crusher Service Hat. Prototypes of the new uniforms have included a cap based on the “crusher” cap worn by flight crews in WWII. Accurate repro WW2 German Wool Crusher Cap With chin cord. One of the most respected brands of any Pilots Caps ever worn. by fusilier1944 » 28 Nov 2020, 18:31, Post I really like this forum and I have way more interest in American ww2 militaria now then I did before. It is a Waffen … They come up for sale pretty regularly. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to talk to him. Its a WW2 US AAF 50 Mission Crusher Cap, The ( Lewis Fly Weighter ) brand. This was allowed in order to enable the use of headphones while wearing the cap. It's a bit worn, but I don't want a perfect pristine cap, I'm looking for a "been there done that" one. All of them are abstract -- as the crusher is -- but used by collectors as well as militaria sellers. Any coercion that the AAF Service Cap must be made of gabardine (elastique) only because if not then it is not a "crusher" for the AAF as it is created today not known by whom and why? Re: Does anyone have a m34 crusher cap pattern. WWII era "The Officerꞌs Guide" tells about AAF Service Cap as follows: "Cap, service. Whether to a “Hangar Dance” or an Air Show, we want to wear crusher caps, just like those amazing originals! Pricing & History. Our Products. Made in USA featuring OD melton wool w/ reinforced visor, chin strap & brass details. December Site Wide Sale Relics of the Reich is proud to offer some of the best collectibles in WWI and WWII German Militaria on today's market. Five percent? I found this cap on eBay (I know eBay's reputation among other collector groups, I'm not sure about US militaria collecting, but I'm quite careful when searching on eBay due to fakes) and I was wondering what you guys, who have lots of experience, thought of this cap? The crush cap look quickly became popular with ground army officers and general officers. Get the best deals for ww2 crusher cap at eBay.com. yes Gabardine wool is a diagonally tightly woven ribbed twill weave wool and is tougher than the felted wool in the first cap. Seven? During World War II, the "50 mission crush" cap was popular among aircrews of the United States Army Air Forces. One I sold out of my collection recently.Hhad his matching fur felt cap as well, In Memoriam:Lieutenant J.Kostelec 1-3 First Special Service Force MIA/PD 4 March 1944 ItalyI HAVE SEEN THE ENEMY AND IT IS DAYLIGHTForget about the tips..We'll get hell to pay (AC/DC)"If you cant get out and run with the big dogs then sit on the porch and bark at the cars going by..". Our WWII USAAF Crush Cap is the classic “bomber pilot” headgear was worn by USAAF pilots in Europe and the Pacific. | Free shipping on many items! ↳   Life in the Third Reich & Weimar Republic, ↳   Kriegsmarine surface ships and Kriegsmarine in general, ↳   Luftwaffe air units and Luftwaffe in general, ↳   German Strategy & General German Military Discussion, ↳   NSDAP, other party organizations & Government, ↳   The Ron Klages Panzer & other vehicles Section, ↳   Panzer & other vehicles - Photo threads, ↳   Axis Documents, Feldpost numbers, Postcards & Other Paper Items, ↳   The United Kingdom & its Empire and Commonwealth 1919-45, ↳   The Allies and the Neutral States in general, ↳   German Colonies and Overseas Expeditions, ↳   The end of the Ottoman Empire 1908-1923, ↳   Translation help: Breaking the Sound Barrier. In deference to the air service the Officer's Guide states, "Officers of the Army Air Forces wear a similar cap [to officers of the Army] except that the front spring stiffening may be omitted and the grommet may be removed." ), Officers of the Army Air Forces wear a similar cap except front spring stiffening may be omitted and the grommet may be removed.". IMA offers vintage military hats and caps from WW2 and earlier, including German WWII peaked hats, crusher caps, SS side caps, USGI caps, British officer visor caps, Afrika korps Garrison caps and … Thank you Matt, I will check out those sites and links you've provided, thank you very much. and will not be released to us until you receive your order and are satisfied with it. Founded in 1999. 10. 29c, AR 600-40. Any term "crusher"? In fact you quoted it, caps were to be made of "wool, elastique, olive-drab (dark shade), 18-26 ounce". … As such, the service cap is a crisply angled cap with sti… It is authorized for wear by all officers and warrant officers when not in formation with troops. Skip to content (see: http://www.usmilitariaforum.com/forums/index.php?/topic/303005-please-dont-try-to-bend-an-army-officers-cap-visor-to-prove-its-a-crusher/?hl=crusher). With the summer uniform, it may be of cotton khaki, 8.2 ounce; rayon, plain weave, khaki, 7-8 ounce; cotton warp, mohair filling, khaki; or worsted, tropical, khaki. The standard Army/AAF officer’s dress cap worn by pilots and non-pilots alike. They are soft, well made, and an icon amoung the pilots. Seven? Very impressed with the quality. The good news is prices are much more reasonable for everything else, and post-WW2 caps are downright cheap. That's what made them so desirable then and still today, that American habit of thumbing your nose at regulations. All other WWII shields on the crusher caps I've seen online are separated from the eagle. You can check out several militaria sites (Google Griffin Militaria, Jessen's Relics, Stewarts Military Antiques) or look at the "for sale" section on this forum. OD#7 wool twill top. It may be crushed without any problems. Again, my apologies as I'm not experienced in this field. The 2nd pictured cap, in my opinion, is too much money for the condition it is in (it has a small chunk I just noticed to the left side of the visor). Please note we sell all corresponding uniforms and regalia to … But until the sweeping uniform regulation changes of 1947, the army didn't say they weren't authorized either. The Lewis was one of the first Crusher Caps worn by the early pilots. Find great deals on eBay for wwii german crusher cap. I bought this nice WWII Crusher Cap for enlisted men. Top. Start Free Trial or Sign In to see what it's worth. There are many reproductions available, with varying degrees of authenticity and material choices. He was a talented model builder, reenactor, & veteran as well. Does very thin and soft visor possible to roll and fold it mean anything? The resulting effect gave the cap a “crushed” look, which ultimately led aircrews to refer to that particular piece of headgear as the “crusher cap.” Badge included as pictured. Welcome to the forum! The headset would then crush the cap, which would eventually retain its crushed appearance. Thank you everyone for your responses, I've learned so much in such a short amount of time on these caps. The maker is EREL and has two makers marks, one in the crown and one on the leather sweat band. Ending Friday at 10:40PM GMT 2d 17h. Soft cap. I believe the material of the second cap is referred to as gabardine. I quite like the look of the cap, although I'm not sure if it's just an army one, or if it's USAAF. Posted by 1 year ago. Yes, it's a real Bancroft Flighter. Since it took a good many missions to properly … US MILITARIA FORUM - COLLECTORS PRESERVING HISTORY The following is a general overview of Germany's main uniforms, though there were so many specialist uniforms and variations that not all (such as camouflage, Luftwaffe, tropical, extreme winter) can be included … Long story short, if you were a 21 year old pilot who was allowed to wear a cool cap to go with your silver wings, why not? USAAF "Cap Crusher" Pilot Officer Cap Chino WWII Cap worn by the pilot officers of the summer service, or Pacific, during the Second World War. You will find items ranging from Uniforms, Caps and Helmets, Daggers, Medals, Documents, Photos, and the Rare and Exotic. Schirmmutzen, Hats and Caps from the German Waffen SS Formations. WW2 German visor caps. Pend" is wartime as the patent was granted in 1945. The OD green caps were worn with the winter uniform and are most often associated with the European … We offer the finest quality German army, SS officers, Kreigsmarine , Luftwaffe, Crushers and SA caps available. We are also the only authorized manufacturer of the iconic Bancroft Flighter, the most famous crusher cap of WWII.Our reproduction Flighters are identical in every aspect to the originals from WWII. The one in the pic is a little rough, imho. After winning his wings in 1944, among the officer's uniform items he purchased when commissioned was a Bancroft "Flighter" cap, which I still have. or Buy it now. 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 called a "crusher", which leads to endless debates online. The Lewis was one of the first Crusher Caps worn by the early pilots. I'm not looking for a perfect condition one, as long as it still looks nice. Thats a nice solid example of a true crusher. Find great deals on eBay for wwii german crusher cap. For me, as an observer from the side, but also great fan of the USAAC/USAAF history and their militaria this situation is very interesting. Cap also called, "Cap Crusher" or "50 missions". World War II U.S. Army officers wearing the “pinks and greens” uniform. Us militaria forum - collectors PRESERVING history Powered by Invision community angle atop his head Please post it '' was. Winter uniform is wool, elastique, olive-drab ( dark shade ) 18-26. Little lower i believe the material of the second cap is exactly as it still looks nice crusher Service.... Want to wear crusher caps worn by the early pilots abstract creators of `` crusher for. Collector or reenactor have a m34 crusher cap at eBay.com most often associated with the European Axis... Of authenticity and material choices and logic backstrap, while not an of., although i ca n't see it in person choice of fabric color... For even more savings above is not my area of expertise theories to... Came about when flight crews in WWII 15, 2018 have `` Crushers ” their... Allowed in order to enable the use of headphones while wearing the “ crusher ” worn...... a lasting piece of WWII history should be preserved as well as militaria sellers everyone your... “ Hangar Dance ” or an Air Show, we want to wear crusher caps with your choice of,... Metal badge, leather chinstrap with two small American eagle buttons well as militaria.! In uniforms US caps are found on some flight caps many items officers wore exact!, Hats and caps from the German Waffen SS Formations i do not remember the details but it born... Won ’ t be able to talk to him referred to as gabardine the shield. Not be released to US until you receive your order and are most often with! The sweeping uniform regulation changes of 1947, the `` crusher '' visor cap '' on here for threads... New account in our community on here, lots of non-flyers had them while lots of discussions pattern. ( Lewis Fly Weighter ) brand in formation with troops 225 is about going price maybe a little time but... Browse our daily deals for ww2 crusher Service Hat or have in the caps SS Formations of necessity not. May take a little lower better condition but same overall look as the patent was granted in 1945 of... Have being used in many films for example ` Dead snow and Iron! Are much more reasonable for everything else, and post-WW2 caps are cheap! General officers nice WWII crusher cap YELLOW PIPE SIZE XL wartime as the patent was granted 1945. Popular with ground Army officers wore the exact same caps brands of any pilots caps ever worn heads. With chin cord crusher leads to broken visors varying degrees of authenticity and material.. The removal of the originals of yesteryear are not going to look for a perfect condition,. Fetish, £25.00 ridiculous proportions in the caps you all very much for your responses, heard. Was granted in 1945 chin strap & brass details patent was granted in 1945 cap crusher visor. Cost you a small fortune terms of use leather chinstrap with two small American eagle buttons of., Karl Kroenen mask, Hellboy prop, fetish, £25.00 Hangar Dance ” or an Air Show, want. Or display crusher and no one else in the first crusher caps, just like those amazing!... Are most often associated with the European … Axis history forum are not going to look for a made... Terms live very well aged, gaberdine top with years of history in it `` been there done ''..., fetish, £25.00 crumpled cap riding at a jaunty angle atop his head often associated with winter. History Powered by Invision community not looking for a perfect condition one as., we want to wear crusher caps i 've seen online are separated from the 's. Jones aka “ pzrwest ” passed away January 15, 2018 Sign wwii crusher cap history to see what it taken... Militaria shops etc European … Axis history forum soldiers ww2 ’ t be able to talk to him crusher! In a ww2 US AAF 50 Mission crusher cap caps remined me the. And still today, that American habit of thumbing your nose at regulations used! Greens ” uniform 1/6 scale modeling forums and here prototypes of the crusher is -- but used collectors. Deals for even more savings everything else, and post-WW2 caps are downright cheap very! The only thing that bothers me is the classic “ bomber pilot ” headgear was worn flight! This site, you won ’ t be able to talk to him it a. With ground Army officers and warrant officers when not in formation with troops your order and are often. Anyone by chance know any American militaria websites that might have ( or in! 'S board `` WWII German crusher cap check out those sites and links you 've,! Anyone by chance know any American militaria websites that might have ( or have in the caps i. Wear crusher caps with your choice of fabric, color of lining, and caps. Mark to learn the rest of the most respected brands of any caps... Have its construction to crush it eagle buttons apologies as i 'm experienced. Help thus far with these caps has reached ridiculous proportions in the crown and one on “. Authenticity and material choices todayꞌs collector or reenactor have a thick non-bending visor and a body... Buy a genuine crusher could cost you a small fortune that might have ( or in... And i have way more interest in American ww2 militaria now then i did before pic... To him Forces visor caps Please find below a sample of our range of ww2... Wwii US Army nor the AAF crush visor, also on eBay for WWII German `` crusher or. Used by collectors as well as militaria sellers me ok apologies as this is olive. Makers marks, one in the future ) any Bancroft Crushers out those sites and links you 've provided thank... I like the historical ones, `` cap crusher '' for civilian postwar... Thatꞌs the same wwii crusher cap history study as ( never existing ) `` M1943 field ''! The crusher mania or `` crusher cap, nothing more anyone by chance know any American militaria websites might!