Posted 10 years ago
LanceG
(17 items)
Another nice find. I originally thought it was a naval aviator's hat because it has a greenish color. However, when compared to other examples, it became clear that it was actually an example of the service dress gray. Although the authorization was for slate gray, the gray uniform, authorized from 1943-1949, showed a lot of variation in color, and a greenish tint was common. Occasionally you will see the more greenish tinted gray referred to as "Halsey gray."
The gray uniform was introduced by then-Chief of Naval Operations Ernest King, who thought khaki was more appropriate to land forces.
The "Aviator's working green" was not only a darker, forest green, but also was a winter hat, and made of 100% wool. This cover is certified navy twill (CNT,) marking it as the service gray rather than the working green cover.
Sold by The Emporium, a San Francisco department store. There is no ID tag, but the original Emporium sales sticker is still inside the brim and shows the original price as $15.