US WWII Paratrooper/Glider Cap

**buellmeister** · 02-01-2018, 05:45 PM

Gents,

Just found this item at a local antique shop and from the research I have done it looks to be an authentic WWII issued Garrison cap. From what I've seen, the style, patch and stitching looks period correct. The only question lies within the Lieutenant Colonel Insignia's markings. Im not sure if it is true to the piece? Could the 61 marking denote the year of manufacture? Anyone in the know is encouraged to chime in. Thank you so much in advance for any information you can provide. Unfortunately, there are no stamps or provenance to tie this cap with anyone or any specific manufacturer.

Also, the piping from what I've researched denotes, detached enlisted. I'd appreciate a little more insider info if you will on who these were issued to. Thanks again!

Regards,

Joel

**rra227** · 02-01-2018, 11:03 PM

The colour looks post-war. Is there a tag under the sweatband? Rank has a nice maker mark. Rich A. in Pa.

**buellmeister** · 02-01-2018, 11:19 PM

Rich

Thank you sir.

If I'm not mistaken, I though the "squared off" garrison caps were WWI to WWII issued? I may be wrong on my assessment.. Certainly these are not my area of expertise. Unfortunately there are no tags.

**rra227** · 02-02-2018, 01:04 AM

It is not the style. It is the colour. Also the insignia is clutch back, Rich A. in Pa.

**buellmeister** · 02-02-2018, 01:34 AM

Rich,

Thank you again for your insight.

**Walkwolf** · 02-02-2018, 02:02 AM

Indeed, the insignia is much later than WWII. '1-20th Silver Filled',
'GI', plus the 'nail head' type clutch pins are 1960's. I don't know
how long those Para patches were used.........

**Phill Lockett** · 02-02-2018, 06:44 AM

The Garrison Cap is the then Army Green style to match the Army Green uniform which came out c1957. This was issued from 1957 onwards.

Not to sure of the colour piping looks like a dark Green which was Detached enlisted men list upto 1947.

Now you have to ask why is there a Lt Colonel rank on an enlisted mens garrison cap with the enlisted mans Airborne Cap badge?

So this is a enlisted man's Garrison Cap.

DEML term was used up to 1947 then Staff Admin Reserve, changed to Army Specialist 1951 and reclassified as Unassigned to Branch 1956 onwards.

I cannot confirm the Branch piping colour for the period 1957 onwards, maybe some one can confirm

cheers

Phill

**Watchdog** · 02-02-2018, 10:19 AM

I agree with all that has been said above. For what it is worth I took one look at the colour before any of the other details sank in and my immediate reaction was wrong colour for WWII.

As has been said this is a fairly good example of a post war EM cap. The spurious LTC cluster is no big issue apart from the fact that it shouldn't be there as long as it has not left a shadow from being there too long. Just remove it and you have a good example of the insignia (very much post war too) and with a quick brush the cap should look perfectly fine.

I doubt the rank insignia was put there to deceive as it generally wouldn't. Rather it was likely added by someone who just didn't know and it was sold on the same way in the belief that it was correct.

On the bright side you have a genuine post war piece that is probably appropriate to the KW period and maybe even early VN (not sure if the time line for these would extend that far) and a useable LTC cluster. Both collectible in their own right so you can turn them around if they don't meet your collecting criteria. Just as long as you didn't pay "top dollar" this is part of the hobby and information gained for the future. Plus we all get to waffle about it

Regards

Mark

**Phill Lockett** · 02-02-2018, 10:53 AM

Hi Mark

I should of been more specific.

The Garrison Cap is Vietnam era c 1966 based on the AECB which is merrow edge (ME was authorized 1966 onwards) and worn for enlisted men on left side of the cap.

Phill

**Watchdog** · 02-02-2018, 11:11 AM

Thanks Phil,

That's what we like. As I said I wasn't sure of the timeline but was certain it was post war. I don't handle these enough to have said for certain that the edge is merrowed rather than cut from the pics. Different in hand of course but you are better versed in these so I guess it is obvious to you in the same way as collectors of British cap badges can spot different versions at ten paces!

The extra pointer is appreciated

Regards

Mark