HMS Collingwood hat

[Shiny]

Hi All,

I've just picked this up this morning, can anyone tell me exactly what I have?

There is a number written inside the band, could that be a service number?

The tally has a black safety pin holding the knot so I'm guessing not too early and there is a fullstop between the HMS letters and after the name, is it WW2 or were black hats worn later than that?

Thanks for the help,

Michael

[leigh kitchen]

It has royal blue piping around the top of the crown?

[Shiny]

The flash makes it look a lot more pronounced than it actually is, under daylight you can't really see it, it just looks black.

I'll take another photo tomorrow in the daylight.

Michael

[leigh kitchen]

Sorry, I just "wondered" as it really does appear to be a different colour to the rest of the cap.

[Shiny]

You're right, it really does under the flash but to the naked eye it doesn't.

Hopefully I'll get a better photo tomorrow.

Michael

[Guzzman]

This looks like it might be a Wrens cap of the pattern introduced in 1942.

HMS Collingwood was a huge ratings training establishment famous for its enormous parade ground. Many Wrens served there in various capacities. Since the cap has a Collingwood cap tally it was probably worn post-war when named tallys were reintroduced. This pattern of cap continued to be worn well into the 1950s. The fact it is a Wrens cap could also explain the presence of the safety pin!

This cap is not an Admiralty Official issue cap but one that has been privately purchased for best or for use when going home on leave - a very common practice.

I have several examples of these caps in my own collection and all are very 'black' in colour.

Hope this helps!

Pete

[Shiny]

Thanks a lot for that comprehensive reply Pete,

I'm attaching another photo just taken outside now.

Michael