Item Description
Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice WWII Issue U.S. Marine Corps Campaign Hat, often called a "Drill Instructor Cover" in the USMC Today. However, it wasn't until 1956 that these were made the official headwear of Marine Corps Drill instructors, and during WWII they were worn by various different types of personnel, dependent on need and location.
The campaign hat in the U.S. Armed Forces traces its origins back to the broad-brimmed hats favored by U.S. Army soldiers posted to the Western frontier in the mid-1800s. These were based on the Stetson brand "Boss of the Plains" model popular at the time. But it wasn’t until after the Army authorized the M1911 Montana-peaked hat that its wear became widespread, first during the Mexican Expedition of 1916 – 1917 and then during World War I. It was also worn by Marines during the so-called “Banana Wars” that began in the early 1900s and led to actions in Panama, Nicaragua, Honduras, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic.
This WWII issue example is very nice, and is made of pressed OD Green felt, which is still quite stiff around the brim. The front crown of the cap of course has a correct WWII issue large U.S. Marine Corps EGA bronze screw back pin, which retains the original blacked finish quite well. It also still has the original band around the outside, used to hide the stitches that attached the liner. The cap has a hole on either side where the brim meets the crown, so most likely at one point it had a chin strap installed.
The interior of the cap still has the original leather sweatband, though it is definitely worn from age and sweat. It is cracked in places, and definitely somewhat delicate. There is a small label on the back, however we cannot quite make out what it says.
A very nice WWII USMC Campaign Hat, ready to display!
- This product is available for international shipping.
- Eligible for all payments - Visa, Mastercard, Discover, AMEX, Paypal & Sezzle
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