Reproduction crushers?

[Adama36]

This may help your searches

View attachment 79859

I found these sites but they don't seem to sell any uniforms parts

 

[MauldinFan]

Going back to the original subject, I still can't find anyone who makes crushers.
How is it they all quit making them recently, and all at the same time?

 

[leper-colony]

The fellow in England will resume this fall.

 

[Micawber]

Going back to the original subject, I still can't find anyone who makes crushers.
How is it they all quit making them recently, and all at the same time?

Lack of demand, difficulties in material supply chain, material cost increases, something called Covid?

Just guessing.

Judging by what happened after the Memphis Belle remake was released followed by, SPR, BOB etc, you only have to wait until Masters Of The Air finally hits the screen. Productions like that have often resulted in a resurgence of interest in the period and increasing demand for original and manufacture of repro 'stuff'.

Just a thought based on personal observations.

 

[ShanghaiJack]

Lack of demand, difficulties in material supply chain, material cost increases, something called Covid?

Just guessing.

Judging by what happened after the Memphis Belle remake was released followed by, SPR, BOB etc, you only have to wait until Masters Of The Air finally hits the screen. Productions like that have often resulted in a resurgence of interest in the period and increasing demand for original and manufacture of repro 'stuff'.

Just a thought based on personal observations.

I bought 2 crushers from Mike at Aviator Military Headwear.
Both are absolutely excellent reproductions.

 

[MauldinFan]

I bought 2 crushers from Mike at Aviator Military Headwear.
Both are absolutely excellent reproductions.

So, how does someone reach him? A Google search didn't pop up any info for him?

 

[ShanghaiJack]

Mike's email:

[email protected]

 

[MauldinFan]

Mike's email:

[email protected]

Thanks. I emailed him, but he's not making caps right now.

 

[ShanghaiJack]

The last time that Mike and I communicated,
he was having one hell of a time acquiring the
high quality materials needed to produce his caps.

I hope that he doesn't abandon the craft, his crushers
are truly exceptional.

 

[warguy]

I agree! I bought one in chocolate gabardine last year off ebay from him. I did a write up on it on another thread. It really is exceptional. If he starts making them again. I would highly recommend one.

 

[MauldinFan]

I emailed him, but he's not making caps right now.

He just contacted me, that he is working on some and apparently one for me. I'm so looking forward to it!

 

[Remote People]

Worth a note to Raymond at APCO? Thought he made the caps for Eastman as part of their contract with Masters of the Air. https://www.facebook.com/americanpatrolcompany/

 

[MauldinFan]

I emailed Raymond a few times when I started my search. I even sent PMs to him through the WW2 Jeep forum I know he posts on, as well. He never responded to anything.

 

[ausreenactor]

He just contacted me, that he is working on some and apparently one for me. I'm so looking forward to it!

Pics ASAP!

 

[MauldinFan]

Just made the payment on this an hour ago, Michael came through with a crusher in my size, it's exactly what I'd always wanted!
These are the photos he sent:

Can't wait to get it, as I might be doing a lecture on the 8th AF for a school in November, and I'd HAVE to wear this!

 

[ausreenactor]

One happy camper! Enjoy it!

 

[ShanghaiJack]

Excellent..!!!!

 

[MauldinFan]

Its in the US per the tracking. In the meantime, while I have another original hat eagle for this, I wanted one that looked as new as the hat.
So, I ordered this off eBay, a good looking repro of the pointy winged eagle for just over 20 bucks shipped from the People's Republic:

Note how close it is to this original:

 

[ausreenactor]

Its in the US per the tracking. In the meantime, while I have another original hat eagle for this, I wanted one that looked as new as the hat.
So, I ordered this off eBay, a good looking repro of the pointy winged eagle for just over 20 bucks shipped from the People's Republic:
View attachment 83371
Note how close it is to this original:
View attachment 83372

The finish on the standard Diamond repro is very flat. An original will get a great look after one polish then let it go....

 

[MauldinFan]

The finish on the standard Diamond repro is very flat. An original will get a great look after one polish then let it go....

I have an original which has a finish exactly like the Chinese replica, and was never shiny.
The whole "everything gleaming in the sun' look wasn't all that common in WW2, that was something you more often see well into the postwar years once 'stay bright' insignia came around.
I might just put my extra original on my crusher when it shows up, but thought it'd be good to have a new replica just in case, especially for as little as I paid for it.