British WWI "Gor Blimey" Winter Trench Cap

Although officially referred to as the "Cap, Winter, SD", this cap was universally known as the "Gor Blimey" by the soldiers who wore it. Made of khaki wool serge with a soft cloth covered visor, the cap has a distinct folding neck cape with multiple rows of stitched reinforcement. An integral adjustable strap with 1" standing loops crosses over the top of the cap and allows the cape to be secured upright, or it can be let down and used as a chinstrap when the cape covers the ears and neck. There are two japanned iron hooks on the sides of the band. One theory claims that a chin strap was intended to be attached to these but that opinion is not documented and their true purpose remains speculative. Obverse has Royal East Kent Regiment badge. Lined in blue-gray shirting flannel, the crown is padded and quilted in a spiraling pattern. No markings are visible. There is some moderate moth damage on the crown.  Issue of the Gor Blimey began in the winter of 1914 and continued until the fall of 1916 when it was abolished to make way for the general issue of the steel helmet. During its service life it was only issued to front line troops making this, truly, a fighting man's cap. Arguably the most sought-after item of WWI Commonwealth headgear.  $2000 - $2500