US Field Cap, Hot Weather

The Cap, Hot Weather (1st Pattern), commonly known as the OG-106 Ball Cap, is the original "first issue" version of the U.S. military baseball-style field hat. It entered production in 1962 and was widely issued throughout the early to mid-Vietnam War era. 

Key Features of the 1st Pattern
The 1st Pattern is distinguished by several specific structural details that set it apart from the later 2nd Pattern (c. 1970): 

• Full Ventilation: It features a stitched vent hole on all six panels, including the two front panels.
• Full Stiffener: The internal front stiffener (often a nylon mesh guard) extends all the way to the top of the crown to maintain a high-profile shape.
• Natural Sweatband: Most original 1st Pattern models used a cotton or occasionally a leather sweatband, rather than the synthetic vinyl used in later versions.
• Brim Stitching: Typical early-war production models often feature only two rows of stitching on the brim, whereas later models transitioned to four rows. 

Historical Context

• Designation: Officially designated as Cap, Field (Hot Weather) OG-106, it was designed to be worn with the OG-107 utility uniform and hot weather field uniforms.
• Materials: Constructed from a blend of polyester and rayon gabardine cloth in Olive Green shade 106.
• Service Life: While popular for its "baseball" aesthetic, it was often criticized in the field for providing inadequate sun protection for the ears and neck, leading many soldiers to prefer the Tropical Combat ("Boonie") Hat.

Size: 6,5