USAAF WWII Red Ball Cap, Subdued Wash
Ball caps were very popular with the USAAF pilots of WWII. Archive photo evidence shows they were particularly popular amongst the fighter pilots in the Pacific theater, and we happened to obtain an original vintage example that belonged to a fighter pilot of the 39th Ftr. Sq. that is red in color, though not all of these caps were red; it’s quite possible that the caps were color coded to match the squadron colors, as the 39th colors were red.
No authentic detail has been over looked, which includes making sure the original form-fitting skull shape is retained. No components of this cap exist today, so every piece of our cap, from cloth to hardware, was custom made to our exacting specifications. The cap is produced from a lightweight, worsted-wool flannel in Grenadier Red with the crown having the correct six-piece construction, which helps tailor the shape to a close form-hugging fit. Please note these other authentic details found only on a true vintage cap of the 1940s that clearly distinguish our copy from any contemporary ball cap on the market:
•Custom-made, high-quality all-wool flannel fabric dyed a subdued-wash red
•Six-piece crown with cloth-covered center button
•Horsehide leather sweatband zigzag stitched to cap, exactly as found on vintage examples
•Custom-made cotton fabric that backs the under side of the visor
•Reinforced inside seams with black all-cotton tape
•Hessian fabric employed as a backing to maintain shape of the two front panels, exactly as found on vintage examples
•Four rows of reinforcing stitching on the visor, exactly as found on vintage examples
•Metal ventilation grommets painted red, exactly as found on vintage examples
Available in sizes 7 – 7 1/2. Please see our SIZING TIPS for advice on how to get the correct fit.
Imported from England
USAAF WWII Red Ball Cap, Subdued Wash
SIZING TIPS
About this Style:
These caps are available in sizes 7, 7 1/8, 7 ¼, 7 3/8, & 7 ½. The fit runs true to your measured head size as converted to a cap size.
Tip 1: Measure your head circumference following the instructions found under the tab BODY MEASURING on this web site.
Tip 2: Covert your head measure to a cap size as found on the above-referenced tab link on this web site.
Tip 3: Order your corresponding cap size as converted from the head-measuring exercise found on this web site. For example: If your head measures 22 ¾”, which converts to size 7 ¼, order size 7 ¼. If you measure in between sizes, we suggest always rounding your head measure up to the larger size, but only you can determine this subjective area of fit.
If you are unsure of the size to order we will assist you; please contact us with your head measure as derived from the instructions and diagram found under the tab for BODY MEASURING on this web site.
