Vintage US Navy Watch Cap from the Vietnam Era

While picking through piles of old clothing, hats, handbags, and scarves, we're always happy to find vintage military wool caps. Not many of these made it through the years and wars without being destroyed or lost. 30, 40, 50 or 60 years ago, no one could probably even fathom the value that a simple stocking cap could have in the long term.

This one sold at auction for $175.50 here. Made by Rudolph Knitting Mills, it was probably issued to the sailor who wore it in 1970.

We've recently picked up another Navy watch cap that will be put to auction soon. These are always pretty exciting auctions so we can hardly wait! We'll post pics after it's up.

Vintage US Navy Watch Cap

Vintage US Navy Watch Cap

Vintage US Navy Watch Cap

Vintage US Navy Watch Cap Nomenclature Tag. The DSA number dates this cap's issue at 1970.

Vintage US Navy Watch Cap (unrolled)

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