Description

Offered is an original early 1950’s era Royal Naval officer’s uniform cap by Gieves of London, attributed/named to Commander Leslie Frederick Reeve.

Black wool crown, in impeccable condition, with removeable ribbed white cotton cover, named to interior tag. Black wool centre band, with attached black ribbed cotton band, retaining bullion and cloth RN officer’s woven cap badge. The leather and felt peak retains a single row of gilt bullion oakleaves, with the leather chinstrap and black cloth covered buttons fimly attached. The interior shows green leather underside of peak, with mid brown sweatband, pencil sized 6 7/8, with blue silk interior, showing Gieves LTD stamp to inner crown, with maker label to rear upper portion, being named CDR (L) L. F. REEVE R.N. The cap has all the hallmarks of one of post WW2 austerity, early 1950’s, also being in line with the last notation of rank within the archives of Commander for Reeve (see below). Condition is near perfect on the cap, with just service wear to interior silk. 

Commander Leslie Frederick Reeve. DOB 24/4/1904, Gloucestershire, UK. Joined the R.N as a “Boy Electrical Artificer” 20/1/20. Served on a variety of ships including the Ark Royal 1937, progressed through the ranks to Warrant Officer Electrician, Command Electrician and commissioned Lieutenant (Electrical) 14/4/1942. The 1952 List show him as Commander Reeve, being stationed at HMS President.