Original Named World War Two US Navy Senior Officer’s Khaki Cover Visor Cap.
Khaki Cover, Bullion insignia, Including original Captains name card inside.
Per the 1941 minimum outfit requirements, Navy officers were to purchase 2 caps, 1 rain cover, 1 blue cover, 3 white covers, and 2 khaki covers. Later, in 1943, when the gray working uniform was introduced, a matching cover would also be required. An Officer's cap can easily be identified by its large distinctive cap device, cap band with a backing for the device, and gold colored chin strap.
The Officer's cap device design was a spread winged eagle in silver, perched on a silver shield, superimposed on a pair of gold, crossed anchors. Its height was approximately 2 1/4-inches and could be made of embroidered wire, metal, or plastic. Prior to May, 1941 the eagle on the officer's cap device faced to the left and thereafter the design was changed so that the eagle faced to the right. This was done so that the eagle's face would be aligned with the sword arm, which is the heraldic position of honor. At this same time all uniform buttons, including cap buttons, were changed so that the eagle faced right.
The officer's cap band was made of 1 1/2-inch wide mohair braid and had an oblong backing sewn to the front, which was used to support the cap device. The cap device was secured to the backing via two screw posts and nuts. Officer's chin straps were 1/2-inch wide and made of either gold or yellow lace sewn to an adjustable leather backing. In 1943 an optional black braid chin strap for the officer's cap was introduced. However, the gold chin strap was always to be worn on dress occasions.
There were three different styles of visors authorized for officer's caps. Ranks of lieutenant commander and below wore caps with polished black visors. Ranks of captain and commander had the option of wearing a row of embroidered oak leaves and acorns on the front edge of their visors. The flag ranks, commodore and above, could wear a double row of oak leaves and acorns. The embroidering was done on a dark blue backing and attached to the visor top. Those eligible to wear embroidered caps had to do so on dress occasions.
