kiltie
Practically Family
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Here are some shots of an original WWII crusher and the reproduction offered by Garcia Aviation.
First up, Garcia's offering in OD. The cap is US made and really quality stuff. In terms of a modern comparison, it blows Midway out of the water ( my FD dress hat is a Midway and doesn't hold a candle to this visor cap ). There are no markings as to a maker, just a "Unite Here!" union tag and a place to slip in an ID or calling card.
And now, the WWII original by Luxemburg. What can I say? It's authentic... And khaki, obviously. It is not elastique, like the OD.
Both hats are 7 1/4. The fit of the Luxemberg is what you'd expect from a hat of this vintage: a snug 7 1/4. The Garcia offering is dead on for me, at 22 7/8".
Here are some side by sides:
Crush-a-bility:
Original Front:
The Garcia is going to need some breaking in time, and I've already made one modification: I cut down the stiffener behind the eagle device. It was fine in it's stock form, but I think it's better cut down. The thickness of the chinstrap is about the same on both hats, but the original's bill is clearly more flexible; thinner, though still two pieces. I'm sure the Garcia cap will become more compliant with use. The hardware on the Garcia is quite nicely detailed, and there's no antiquing. They can age on their own or you can modify how you like.
As you can see from the pictures, the proportions are similar. The original is about a quarter inch shorter between the "band" and the topmost seam, but that's, I'm sure a variation that could be seen from maker to maker.
I'm probably going to let the original go, as I hope to actually get some wear out of whatever I settle on, and while I don't necessarily intend to be rough, I don't want the safety of my hat to be consuming.
EDIT:
Moderators - I wanted to to see this stand alone for a bit. I know there's a big crush cap thread already, and if this get's merged somewhere down the road, I'll be plenty happy, but I thought this might be nice out here on it's own for the moment. Thanks.
First up, Garcia's offering in OD. The cap is US made and really quality stuff. In terms of a modern comparison, it blows Midway out of the water ( my FD dress hat is a Midway and doesn't hold a candle to this visor cap ). There are no markings as to a maker, just a "Unite Here!" union tag and a place to slip in an ID or calling card.
And now, the WWII original by Luxemburg. What can I say? It's authentic... And khaki, obviously. It is not elastique, like the OD.
Both hats are 7 1/4. The fit of the Luxemberg is what you'd expect from a hat of this vintage: a snug 7 1/4. The Garcia offering is dead on for me, at 22 7/8".
Here are some side by sides:
Crush-a-bility:
Original Front:
The Garcia is going to need some breaking in time, and I've already made one modification: I cut down the stiffener behind the eagle device. It was fine in it's stock form, but I think it's better cut down. The thickness of the chinstrap is about the same on both hats, but the original's bill is clearly more flexible; thinner, though still two pieces. I'm sure the Garcia cap will become more compliant with use. The hardware on the Garcia is quite nicely detailed, and there's no antiquing. They can age on their own or you can modify how you like.
As you can see from the pictures, the proportions are similar. The original is about a quarter inch shorter between the "band" and the topmost seam, but that's, I'm sure a variation that could be seen from maker to maker.
I'm probably going to let the original go, as I hope to actually get some wear out of whatever I settle on, and while I don't necessarily intend to be rough, I don't want the safety of my hat to be consuming.
EDIT:
Moderators - I wanted to to see this stand alone for a bit. I know there's a big crush cap thread already, and if this get's merged somewhere down the road, I'll be plenty happy, but I thought this might be nice out here on it's own for the moment. Thanks.
, so dropping 90 bones on the original didn't sting too badly. Now I've got two options for under a third the cost of the Diamond. But it sure is nice, no doubt.
