10 replies to this topic

[Big Bill]

Hi all seen this at a garage sale this weekend go $10.00 and I'm a knife man so any info would be appreciated thanks

[hink441]

Looks like a modern Naval Officer's combination cover.

Chris

[jguy1986]

For $10 you're good. Chances are that badge is sterling silver, and they bring more than that. If there's a wicker headband, it's WWII era.

[BROBS]

That's not true about the wicker headband.. there are much more modern Naval covers that use wicker.

I used to think that until I saw some modern branded caps with a wicker frame.

 

honestly the best way to tell is by the maker markings, and a few other tells like plastic screwbuttons on the inside of the chinstrap buttons... vinyl sweat bands etc.

 

This one I can tell because of the cap brim.. but without that we would need to see inside the cap IMO.

-Brian

Edited by BROBS, 24 May 2015 - 07:19 AM.

[jguy1986]

Good info, Brian. I should clarify that WWII wicker ones definitely have a specific look to them. Obviously new wicker looks new, but 70 years of age adds a certain patina to natural materials. I was basing the WWII guess based on the tarnishing on the badge, which is how those silver ones usually seem to age if not kept in a perfectly conditioned environment.

[BROBS]

Right.. just something to watch out for!  

A newer cap stored in bad conditions could look older than a WW2 era cap that was kept pristine.

 

These USN caps can be a real pain sometimes especially if someone has removed the "tells" from the cap like the label, sweatband, etc.

I've seen a TON on ebay being misrepresented as WW2.  

-Brian

[Dave]

It would be nice to see the inside of the hat...

[lovmilinsig]

Great find!

 

Ed

[Big Bill]

Inside of hat

[AustinO]

He was at the Naval Training Station, Great Lakes during the Korean War. Born in 1922. Cap looks 50s or 60s.

[Big Bill]

Thanks everyone for all the info