Tel: 01332 345729 Email: david@historicflyingclothing.com Web site: https://www.historicflyingclothing.com/

RAF officer rank service dress cap - history

Code: U27003

By Gieves Ltd.  A standard officer rank peaked cap.  It measures approximately 54.5cm which equates to about a UK '6^3/4' (small).  The barathea cloth is reasonably clean and retains good colour.  There is no moth damage evident but the underside of the peak is a bit wrinkled, perhaps this could be removed with careful steaming?  It is fitted with a narrow leather chinstrap with surface cracking, cloth covered buttons, mohair band and King's crown bullion badge.  The inner leather band is good but the greasepaper crown is soiled and largely obscures the Gieves label (appears to read 'By appointment to HM The King'.  The cap is named to 'Deboni' and marked with his service number.  Brief research reveals that Canadian, Victor William Marcus Deboni, service number 145237, was born on the 30th December 1923 and died in Canada in his 89th year on 26th August 2012.  He appears to have been a flight instructor during WW2 and is still listed as an RAF pilot in the London Gazette c. 1947.  A good cap with some history.  Stock code U27003.