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Author Topic: US field caps  (Read 1907 times)

Offline Hildred Castaigne

  • Scientist
  • Posts: 428
US field caps
« on: 12 November 2011, 02:41:12 AM »
Hello, folks! I was hoping I could call on your collective knowledge to help me out with something.
I'm looking for seperate heads (or, on the off chance, loose caps) wearing the US army's Swing cap or M1943 Field Cap.
Any help at all would be appreciated, I've searched high and low with no luck!

Offline Hildred Castaigne

  • Scientist
  • Posts: 428
Re: US field caps
« Reply #1 on: 12 November 2011, 03:08:07 AM »
Oh, I almost forgot links!
http://www.11thairbornedivision.com/Home/the-swing-cap

These bloke's hats are pretty close (as far as I can tell) to the M1943 hat
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Captain_Claxton_Ray_Lt._Green.jpg

Offline Cadet13

  • Scientist
  • Posts: 277
  • "Now I have a machinegun. HO HO HO."
    • http://chucksnapwargames.blogspot.com/
Re: US field caps
« Reply #2 on: 12 November 2011, 05:01:39 AM »
West Wind do some U.S. heads in forage caps, but not sure if it's what you're after.

Offline Hildred Castaigne

  • Scientist
  • Posts: 428
Re: US field caps
« Reply #3 on: 12 November 2011, 11:32:43 AM »
West Wind do some U.S. heads in forage caps, but not sure if it's what you're after.

The West Wind heads are in jeep caps, which are great but not what I'm after.
But thanks for the suggestion!

Offline Johnnytodd

  • Mad Scientist
  • Posts: 627
Re: US field caps
« Reply #4 on: 12 November 2011, 12:46:04 PM »
Maybe the reason you're not finding the "swing cap" is because that is not an official US Army cap.  The cap in the center of your photo is an army CAP, HERRINGBONE TWILL issued first to motor mechanics and armored troops and (I believe) they replaced the Daisey Mae as a fatigue cap late in the war.  The two outer caps are custom made at the local level likely to be worn on leave.  Looks like they were made of wool.  The USMC HBT cap is very similar to the Army HBT cap so maybe a head swap with Brigade Games Marines would work for your needs.  John

Offline Hildred Castaigne

  • Scientist
  • Posts: 428
Re: US field caps
« Reply #5 on: 12 November 2011, 05:45:40 PM »
Maybe the reason you're not finding the "swing cap" is because that is not an official US Army cap.  The cap in the center of your photo is an army CAP, HERRINGBONE TWILL issued first to motor mechanics and armored troops and (I believe) they replaced the Daisey Mae as a fatigue cap late in the war.  The two outer caps are custom made at the local level likely to be worn on leave.  Looks like they were made of wool.  The USMC HBT cap is very similar to the Army HBT cap so maybe a head swap with Brigade Games Marines would work for your needs.  John

Hello, John! Thank you for that very informative post. I had noticed that the Swing cap was specific to the 11th Airborne Division, but I didn't know it was actually unofficial. But those two facts together and it explains why nobody produces figures wearing those caps! But the 'Cap, Herringbone Twill' is just what I'm looking for. Although a more economical option than performing head swaps with the Brigade Marines would be great.

By the way, I don't suppose anyone does the Daisy Mae?  ;)
« Last Edit: 12 November 2011, 06:51:13 PM by Hildred Castaigne »

Offline Jim French

  • Librarian
  • Posts: 180
Re: US field caps
« Reply #6 on: 19 November 2011, 06:07:51 AM »
The Swing cap was named after Joe Swing, an Airborne CO in the Pacific.  I think Johnny has nailed it.  Go with WWII Marine heads.  They might need a little modification as they were more angular than the Swing cap.

 

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