1950s New York Air National Guard 138th Fighter Squadron Ball Cap

This is a ball cap for the New York Air National Guard 138th Fighter Squadron, the first post-war Guard unit in the state. The unit originally flew P-47 Thunderbolts, and in 1950 became the first jet-equipped NY group with F-84s, and later, F-86 jets. The 138th was notably involved in the Berlin Crisis. The hat is in green and has a squadron patch above its bill reading 138th and showing a musketeer riding a thunderbolt.

Circa 1950s.

Size 7.

Cotton, canvas wrapped cardboard visor, leather liner, painted felt patch.

Size 7 label and JOE CHARLES SPORT SHOP ATHLETIC EQUIPMENT SYRACUSE, N.Y. manufacturer's label.

This is from a National Air Guard collection which we will be listing more of over the next few months. VBEX06 VAFEX12/10 SAFEX5/12

6- (Fine): Patch on hat is very worn and the leather liner is very fragile and has cracked in some spots; moderate staining under visor.

As with all my artifacts, this piece is guaranteed to be original, as described.