Original Item: One-of-a-kind. WWII U.S. Military items made by he firm of Morry Luxenberg of New York, New York are perhaps one of the most desirable makers of U.S. WWII Uniforms and Insignia. Luxemberg items were revered during the period for their absolute astounding quality and attention to detail. Luxembourg’s customers included many General officers of all branches who preferred the quality items the Luxenberg firm produced during the war. This visor cap, in winter green doeskin/melton wool, was manufactured by Luxenberg Military Tailors located at 485 Madison Avenue, New York.

The cap is of the highest quality and in very good condition with the iconic crush shape. On The plasticized crown protector are multiple ink stamps that have the original owner’s name stamped, which reads ”Carson E. R. Holman”. We have not conducted aunty research into Holman, which leaves this an excellent research opportunity.

The sweatband is also embossed Luxenberg with address. The crown of the hat also bears the Luxenberg logo. Of note is that the chinstrap is the style that goes fully around the head with a buckle in the rear which were very popular with pilots and these were a deluxe addition which was a clear sign of a top quality hat. There is no size label, but we did notice a number 7 written on the lining under the sweatband, and measurements have confirmed that it is about a size 7, maybe a 7 1/8.

The Army Offcer’s Cap eagle is also a Luxenberg-made item, bearing the Luxenberg name on the reverse in the well known stylized font.

This is the classic "bomber pilot" headgear, worn by USAAF pilots in Europe and the Pacific. Actually, this was the standard Army/AAF officer's dress cap, worn by pilots and non-pilots alike, but pilots gave this cap their own unique twist. Normally, this cap had stiffeners -- a support piece behind the cap device and a wire around the inside top perimeter to maintain the cap's round shape. These kept the cap in its proper, regulation military shape and angle. However, since bomber pilots wore headsets over their caps during flights, they would remove the wire stiffener to make headset wear more comfortable, causing the sides of the caps to become crushed. Eventually, the caps retained their floppy "crushed" look, giving the pilot who wore it the look of a seasoned veteran.

The crush cap identified its wearer as an experienced pro, and was as much a part of his identity as his leather flight jacket. The crush cap look quickly became popular with ground army officers and general officers such as the case with this example that was worn by a doctor in the USAAF.