This ad features the classic "bomber pilot" headgear, worn by U.S. Army Air Forces (USAAF) WW2 pilots in Europe and the Pacific. These two relics are "named" pieces identified in the hat tag belonging to a Lt T. Champiomont.
1). ANB-H-1 receiver with large rubber surrounds w/finished chamois padding (similar to the inside of a flight helmet). They are attached to an adjustable leather covered steel headband. They are maker marked (Utah-Chicago) w/intact fabric, covered wiring, & an intact end plug.
2. Standard issue USAAF officer's dress cap w/iconic "crush" shape.
Condition:
Both pieces are very old and will show signs of wear throughout; both contain standard age & use wear. Please review photos carefully as they are part of the description.
HISTORY:
The dress caps were worn by pilots and non-pilots alike, but pilots inadvertently gave this cap their own "style". When issued, the cap had stiffeners (a support piece inside the top perimeter allowing it to maintain its round shape) which kept it within military regulations. Bomber pilots wore headsets over their caps during flights, so they would remove the wire stiffener to make the headset fit more comfortably, which caused the sides to become "crushed". As a result, the caps bore a floppy or "crushed" appearance and thus, the "Crush Cap" moniker. This "look" quickly became popular w/ground army officers and general officers such that many began "forming" their caps in such a way.
This appearance also gave the pilot who wore it the look of a seasoned veteran or experienced pro, and became part of his identity much as his leather flight jacket did.
*** Lt. T. Champiomont "likely" refers to First Lieutenant (1LT) Theodor Carl "Teddy" Champiomont V (1892-1962). He was a US Army officer who entered service in 1914, serving 30 years, & trained in artillery. He served an assignment to the Staff and Faculty Field Artillery School at Fort Sill, Oklahoma.***
