Original Item: Only One Available. This is a beautifully tailored RAF officer's peaked visor cap dating from WWII. It is marked on the sweatband and under the crown sweat shield with:
BATES
Hatter,
21. Jermyn Street,
ST. JAMES'S,
LONDON.
The sweatband also notes that this is The "Bates" Service Cap and is of FINEST QUALITY. It is constructed of the usual Royal Air Force blue barathea wool with a black mohair band. The style of the cap, and the celluloid sweat shield are definitely WWII Period. However, the padded bullion embroidered cap badge has a QUEEN'S CROWN on the top, not the expected King's Crown. It has the correct laurel leaves below a gold washed metal eagle, so we believe that this cap was owned by an officer who remained in service after 1952, when Queen Elizabeth II assumed the British throne.
Offered in overall very good condition with a few minor nips here and there. The interior celluloid sweat shield has become orange in color, which happens as the material deteriorates. It is however still flexible. There is light wear to the sweatband, and some dirt staining on the front where the forehead would rest. Size is approximately 7 1/4 US (58cm).
Ready to display!
