Original Item: Only One Available. This visor cap, in winter OD Green issue color, is one of the best condition caps we have ever seen. It is slightly worn but in excellent condition with a beautiful shape. It also came to us with the original stiffener still with it, which we have included.
The sweatband is embossed with the FLIGHT ACE "winged spade" trademark, as indicated by the TRADEMARK REGISTERED underneath. The celluloid lining makes the crown markings a little difficult to read, but it appears fully visible when you press the lining up against the stamping.
FLIGHT
ACE
TRADEMARK REGISTERED
ALL WOOL
EXCEPT ORNAMENTATIONS
ACE MANUFACTURING CO.
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS
The leather sweatband features the handwritten name and service number of an American Army Officer:
ARTHUR L. HUGHES
US51006893
Unfortunately, we have not been able to locate any service records for this specific Service Number. However, there are a few Arthur L. Hughes’ records available, but we have been unable to match the ASN with any listed. Do not let this discourage you, we are extremely confident that this is a researchable item, we just do not have the resources readily available.
This peaked cap features a beautiful gold tone WW2 era Army Overseas insignia by GEMSCO and features the words ACID TEST just above the name. The cap does not have the original size tag but there is a “factory” size marking still visible, 6 ⅞. On the underside of the sweatband the name and ASN can be found written again, matching the previously mentioned one.
The cap is in excellent condition, with just a bit of fading around the top and edges. It is an early war cap, which still had the thicker brim, which is in excellent condition, as is the sweatband. There is just a bit of wear on the edge of the front brim. This cap also has a "rear chin strap", which is not often encountered. These are most likely to help keep the cap tight on the head. The celluloid plastic top liner has discolored over time,
but it is still quite supple.
This wonderful visor comes ready for research and to display!
Peaked Cap History
The peaked cap, service cap, barracks cover or combination cap is a form of headgear worn by the armed forces of many nations, as well as many uniformed civilian organizations such as law enforcement agencies and fire departments. It derives its name from its short visor, or peak, which was historically made of polished leather but increasingly is made of a cheaper synthetic substitute.
The term forage cap is also used though that also applies to "field service cap" or the side cap.
Other principal components are the crown, band and insignia, typically a cap badge and embroidery in proportion to rank. Piping is also often found, typically in contrast to the crown color, which is usually white for navy, blue for air force and green for army. The band is typically a dark, contrasting color, often black, but may be patterned or striped.
In the British Army, each regiment and corps has a different badge. In the United States Armed Forces, the cap device is uniform throughout every service branch, though different variants are used by different rank classes.
In 1846, the United States Army adopted the peaked cap during the Mexican-American war due to the unsuitability of the shako in the hot Mexican climate. In 1879, a form of peaked cap was adopted by chief petty officers of Britain's Royal Navy, in imitation of an undress headdress worn by officers from as early as 1825. The British Army adopted peaked caps in 1902 for both the new khaki field dress and (in colored form) as part of the "walking out" or off-duty wear for other ranks. A dark blue version was worn with dress blues by all ranks of the U.S. Army between 1902 and 1917.
During the 20th century, the combination or peaked cap became common in the armies, navies, air forces and police forces of the world, forgone in combat by common soldiers in favor of more protective combat helmets.
