This is an original U.S. Navy–issued wool watch cap, dating to the 1940s WWII era, featuring its original outer sewn label, a detail rarely retained on surviving examples.
The cap is constructed from dense, tightly knit wool with a shallow crown and fold-over cuff, consistent with wartime U.S. Navy specifications for cold-weather headwear. The color presents as near-black in low light but reveals a deep navy blue tone in brighter or natural light, a characteristic commonly seen on period USN wool items due to original dye formulas and age-related fading.
Key details:
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Authentic WWII-era U.S. Navy issue
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Original outer label present
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Dense ribbed wool knit construction
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Shallow crown with traditional watch cap silhouette
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No modern materials or synthetic fibers
The presence of the original label, combined with the knit structure, wool quality, and correct color, firmly places this example within wartime U.S. Navy contract production. This is a collector-grade piece suitable for military archives, naval collectors, or serious vintage workwear enthusiasts.
Condition shows honest wear consistent with age, with excellent structural integrity.
Search Terms:
WWII USN watch cap, vintage US Navy watch cap, 1940s navy beanie, USN issued watch cap, military wool watch cap, WWII navy knit cap, vintage naval headwear, US Navy wool beanie, WWII military beanie