MattS Posted March 31, 2014 Share #1 Posted March 31, 2014 The air force became a separate branch in 1947, but prior to the printing of the first USAF uniform manual (AF 35-10) in 1956, there was no standard pattern for the officer's cap device. While the illustration in the 1951 "Air Officer's Guide" showed the same eagle as worn by the army (except in silver-oxide color), there were manufacturers making different eagles to suit officer's tastes. Some cap makers prior to 1956 made officer's caps with two front grommets to accommodate the various sizes of eagles as seen on this colonel's Wolbro (Wolf Brown) service cap. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MattS Posted March 31, 2014 Author Share #2 Posted March 31, 2014 One of the largest was this 3" one, made by N.S. Meyer. Front and back: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MattS Posted March 31, 2014 Author Share #3 Posted March 31, 2014 The 'V' eagle popular in WW2 was continued in silver post-war for USAF officers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MattS Posted March 31, 2014 Author Share #4 Posted March 31, 2014 The standard pattern eagle. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MattS Posted March 31, 2014 Author Share #5 Posted March 31, 2014 This Amcraft eagle features a more pronounced and thicker chest shield, but was the standard pattern. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MattS Posted March 31, 2014 Author Share #6 Posted March 31, 2014 This is a 1986 dated eagle still on the card (upside-down) and is probably the most common type. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MattS Posted October 23, 2016 Author Share #7 Posted October 23, 2016 This is one of the early experimental/prototype Air Force officer's cap badges that was ultimately rejected, it dates from around 1947-49. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MattS Posted October 23, 2016 Author Share #8 Posted October 23, 2016 The rear is unmarked. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KurtA Posted October 23, 2016 Share #9 Posted October 23, 2016 Interesting, Matt. Thanks for posting. Never knew about the 2 grommets. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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