WW2 USAAF "crusher" cap

**FALLSCHIRMJAGER** · 07-05-2015, 09:45 PM

Evening gentlemen, this is not my usual area of collecting but I have always wanted a REAL OFFICERS CRUSHER from WW2 as I live in the 8th Air Forces "back yard" of Norfolk England. This one really looks 100% correct to me and not one of those caps that has had the stiffener removed to give it the "look". This could just well be the start of getting together a full "flyer's" uniform over time, so I wanted to get a quality piece to begin with! If I have made a serious error with this one, please correct me! Leon.

**Adrian Stevenson** · 07-05-2015, 09:49 PM

Hi Leon, you made made a good purchase. Just the job.

Cheers, Ade.

**MAP** · 07-05-2015, 10:03 PM

Excellent Leon.

Look like a beautiful private purchase hat.

Here is a little info on the maker. An old company that went out of business in the 1960's. Apparently all American presidents in the 1900's wore a Knox up till JFK.

Regards

Michael

Knox New York Hat Company - Bernard Hats

Knox Hat Company History

**FALLSCHIRMJAGER** · 07-05-2015, 10:04 PM

by Adrian Stevenson

Hi Leon, you made made a good purchase. Just the job.

Cheers, Ade.

Thanks Ade, I was hoping for a "thumbs up" from an experienced collector as these "crushers" are not my "expertise". The overall look of the piece, the seller (bombphoons museums) and a beer(or two) gave me that "stupid" confidence to buy before I posted (not something I would normally recommend). Leon.

**FALLSCHIRMJAGER** · 07-05-2015, 10:13 PM

by MAP

Excellent Leon.

Look like a beautiful private purchase hat.

Here is a little info on the maker. An old company that went out of business in the 1960's. Apparently all American presidents in the 1900's wore a Knox up till JFK.

Regards

Michael

Knox New York Hat Company - Bernard Hats

Knox Hat Company History

Hi Michael, thank you for that additional information, most appreciated.

I guess I can add some serious dollars onto the value of this one if I can say a US president wore it! (only joking)

Cheers, Leon.

**MAP** · 07-05-2015, 10:24 PM

Unfortunately the only president that i know that was a pilot during the war was George Bush (the 1st) but he was in the Navy......

**FALLSCHIRMJAGER** · 07-05-2015, 10:37 PM

by MAP

Unfortunately the only president that i know that was a pilot during the war was George Bush (the 1st) but he was in the Navy......

**FALLSCHIRMJAGER** · 07-10-2015, 07:28 PM

Evening gents, the "crusher" has arrived and it's a beauty, as floppy as a half melted cheese square! I have ordered some nice HS-33 "phones" to display with it from the US, so as and when they arrive I will post a picture of the finished display. Leon.