WW2 Army A-4 Wool Mechanics Cap from Castle Gate

WW2 Army A-4 Wool Mechanics Cap from Castle Gate

 These rare wool caps were only officially issued to Army Air Corps airplane mechanics.  Since they needed to squeeze into small spaces, the official billed "beanie" cap was deemed a little bit too cumbersome. 

It has been noted that Army paratroopers managed to acquire and use these quite frequently.

WW2 Army A-4 Wool Mechanics Cap from Castle Gate

We put this hat up to auction last week and were surprised that it fetched a whopping $218.84.  It was a really nice, almost unissued looking example.  The money that collectors will spend on items is always baffling.

WW2 Army A-4 Wool Mechanics Cap from Castle Gate (Inside-out)

WW2 Army A-4 Wool Mechanics Cap  Spec Tag

WW2 A-1 Horsehide Flight Pants by Switlik Parachute & Equipment Company

 Before the advent of the pressurized cabin, early military pilots would have to do some serious bundling to survive to sub-zero temperatures at high altitude flight.  Sheepskin flight pants and coats were a staple amongst the US Army Air Corps from the 30s up through World War 2.

There is much documentation and trade happening of the "B" series flight pants, but I haven't been able to find much about the earlier "A-1" flight pants.  Unlike the B-1, which is made entirely of sheepskin, these A-1 pants are made of a much more durable horsehide with the sheepskin being quilted to the inside.  I suspect that, much like the A-2 horsehide jackets, production costs and supply forced the Army to find a more practical alternative in order to keep up with the war-time demand.

An excellent condition pair of B-1 flight pants can fetch between $250 and $400, but due to the limited availability, I have no idea what the actual value of a pair of A-1 flight pants is.


This pair was made by the Switlik Parachute & Equipment Company probably in the mid-late 1930s.  I'm assuming that they are one of the earliest examples of a pair of high altitude flight pants.  You can check back and find out how much these sold for here.

A-1 US Army Air Corps Flight Pants

A-1 US Army Air Corps Flight Pants Back Side

Unzipped inside

One 1930s Wide Head Talon Zipper for each leg.