RAF Officers Visor Cap

Whilst this cap is not named we were advised when purchased it belonged to a Flight Lieutenant C. Cole who served as a Navigator in WWII. His no 1 uniform was also offered for sale as a separate lot but sadly we were outbid on it but I had the chance to inspect and his medal ribbons indicated he was awarded an MBE. Some limited research indicates it probably belonged to Flight Lieutenant Clifford Cole, service number143777, who remained with the RAF post war and was awarded the MBE in the New Year's Honours 1st January 1953 and it seems highly likely he is our man.

This is really crisp example and made by the quality makers Bates and embossed on the green felt lining is 'Bates of 21, Jermyn Street, St James, London' and also marked below 'Light Weight'. It is also stamped in gold leaf with makers details on the leather hat band. It is not named to the original owner and looks as though it has had minimal, if any, service wear as overall condition is really excellent. The air force blue cloth all in really nice condition and no signs at all of the dreaded moth. It features an impressive Kings Crown cap badge with crisp brass eagle below and good leather chin strap. Like almost all RAF visor caps we see this one is not dated but with Kings Crown badge certainly wartime or early post war issue. No size is marked but the physical measurement taken inside the hat band it is 21 1/2" or 54.5 cm.