China, Republic. A Kuomintang Army Officer’s “Crusher” Service Cap

A fine example of a wartime Kuomintang (also referred to as Guomindang or Nationalist Party of China) Army Officer’s “crusher” service cap, constructed entirely of khaki-coloured woven cotton with a raised peak. The cap consists of a smooth integrated cap band with a crusher-style crown of the same type and colour material. Mounted to the peak of the cap, is a Kuomintang insignia, constructed of gilded bronze and enamels in the shape of a white enameled sun with twelve white enameled rays on a dark blue field held in place by a pair of large wings. Included is a greyish-khaki coloured leatherette adjustable chin strap that is held in place on either side of the cap with a matching gilded bronze button equally displaying the Kuomintang insignia. The chin strap rests upon a visor with a cardstock core that is equally lined with matching khaki-coloured woven cotton. The interior of the cap is lined entirely with matching khaki-coloured woven cotton with a light brown leatherette sweatband with a still buckram core for reinforcement. The cap is marked “Paramount” on the crown, denoting previous studio use, but undoubtedly a wartime example. It measures approximately 240 mm (w) x 275 mm (l), with minimal material fatigue from age and wear, in overall better than very fine condition.