The textile collection primarily consists of World War II U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps uniforms and gear for enlisted men and officers, including a few examples of WWII aviator clothing and divers' gear. There are also U.S. Navy uniforms dating from 1908-1921. Other textiles include signal flags and pennants, commissioning pennants, sweetheart pillowcases, and United States and Japanese flags.
Flight Jacket - The G-1 flight jacket was introduced in the 1930s for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps flyers. An extra pleat extending from the shoulder down the back and a double gusset under each arm allowed the pilot to move more freely in the cockpit. This jacket belonged to Lt. (jg) Everett James Landers, a pilot on the Battleship NORTH CAROLINA in 1946. BB2005.25.28
Officer’s Boat Cloak - A cloak was prescribed for U.S. Navy commissioned officers except chief warrant officers beginning in 1852. The description changed little over the years. In the 1941 uniform regulations the cloak is to be “made of blue cloth, full three-quarters of a circle, to extend two inches below kneecap when epaulets are worn, circular black velvet collar closed at neck with hooks and eyes, and one set of silk or mohair frogs.” Interior slash pockets are lined with tan velvet. The officer’s boat cloak was eliminated after World War II. This cloak belonged to Capt. Olaf Hustvedt, the Battleship NORTH CAROLINA’s first captain. BB1991.70.135
Cocked Hat - The “fore and aft” hat was the first U.S. Navy officer’s hat after the American Revolution. It is covered with beaver fur and was originally designed to fold to carry under an officer’s arm. A cocked hat was part of an officer’s full dress and dress uniform in 1941, but it was not worn during World War II. This hat belonged to Joe Stryker, who was an Executive Officer on the Battleship NORTH CAROLINA. The trim indicated rank and in this case, the one inch lace for Lt. Commanders and below. BB1979.5.1
FLAT HAT - This U.S. Navy flat hat belonged to Theodore D. White, Jr. who served aboard the Armored Cruiser NORTH CAROLINA from 1905-1907. This hat is fancier than most with the ship’s name embroidered in a coiled metallic thread on the front and the interior is lined with pink satin. Ribbons hanging down the back have embroidered anchors on the ends. Cap ribbons were required by U.S. Navy Uniform regulations until 1940 when it was recommended that they be eliminated to avoid broadcasting information about a ship’s location. It was also a cost saving measure. BB1989.35
Flight Helmet and Goggles - Summer flying helmet made from khaki cloth with large black rubber mounts for radio receivers. The receivers are padded and covered with chamois on the inside. The chin strap has also been covered with chamois for comfort. The earlier aviation goggles had separate eye cushions as shown here. Both date from the 1940s. BB93.22.414
Jumper - The more fashionable sailors during World War II wanted “tailor-made” uniforms, which were not regulation. Colorful embroidery was sewn under cuffs, collar or hem by tailors on the East and West coasts who advertised their services to sailors. Gunner’s Mate 1/c William Strong had his name embroidered in his jumper. BB2002.34.1
Flag Holder - Souvenir silk flag holder that belonged to Taylor Vinson Johns, a yeoman on the Armored Cruiser NORTH CAROLINA. A postcard of the ship surrounded by metallic braid illustrates the center. Inside a poem asks:
When the golden sun is sinking
And your mind from troubles free,
While of others you are thinking
Will you sometimes think of me
BB2001.99.9
Pennant - Souvenir felt pennant featuring the Armored Cruiser NORTH CAROLINA and advertising Morton’s Mothers Bread. BB2000.7
