We are fascinated
by the “Crusher” cap. More than likely, if you’re visiting our site, you are, too. After years of studying
and collecting these great items, we decided to make copies of them that would be reasonable alternatives to the originals
that we’ve worn. Donning originals today can be a risky prospect...a lasting piece of WWII history should be preserved
as well as possible.
Whether to a “Hangar Dance” or an Air Show, we want to wear crusher caps, just
like those amazing originals! There are many reproductions available, with varying degrees of authenticity and material choices.
Most of these are now made abroad, and very few seem to capture that “rakish”, worn-in, Fighter/Bomber pilot look.
Our desire is to go a little further and create caps that emulate the qualities of originals, faults and greatness included.
Not to simply make repro “Service Caps” that have had the grommet removed. Many of these others, seem to always
be made incorrectly and lack most of the correct details (i.e. Top stitching of all fabric components and crushable brims)
"Roll it up and put it in your pocket" was a common quote of the day regarding these very pliable and functional
caps, and our caps make this a modern reality.
In the 1940s, caps were mass-produced by a great many companies
and among the best known today is the “Flighter” by Bancroft. We at Diamond Cap Co. Have decided to reproduce
this great piece of Americana as the first of many contracts, which we will be making.
This cap includes:
a) Single ply, glove soft, leather brim and hand-made leather components.
b) Single-needle
sewn, 100% Wool Gabardine toppers (Original period fabric, while supplies last),
c) Mohair bands,
hand-dyed at our factory.
d) Hand-made and sewn sheepskin sweatbands, correctly blanket-stitched into
the interior of the cap.
e) Choice of color combinations to include, OD Dark shade #51, Light Shade
#54 “Pink”, 16 oz. gabardine toppers. Summer weight Khaki worsted wool, as well as 3 shades of Mohair to choose
from.
In short, these caps are truly bespoke items, made for every individual taste.
We will customize
for every customer, so a Diamond Cap Co. “Flighter” will be tailored based on information the customer provides.
We want to ensure that you not only like how the cap is made, but that it fits just as you'd want. This level of customization
was available during WWII, but generally, reserved for those Officers with a lot of disposable income, and a private tailor.
So whether you need a “Pink” topper with OD mohair to complete your collection or just have a size 8 head, we
can make a cap for you.
We hope to grow exponentially and are also planning a fully hand tailored “Flight
Weight” and “Luxenberg” cap in short order.
We have much more information about our caps, how
they are made, the materials used, and we would encourage you to contact us.
New
Information has now "come to light". Apparently there was a "Diamond Cap Co" in existence during the 1930's.
The below image is a tag in a Garrison Cap from that time period, perhaps even from the WWI era the company seems to have
existed.
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