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  1. FORUM NEWS & HELP

    1. NEW MEMBER INTRODUCTIONS

      If you've just signed up as a member, feel free to stop in here and post an introduction about yourself, your collection, or any other information you wish to share with this community.

      POSTS IN THIS FORUM DO NOT INCREASE YOUR FORUM POST COUNT

      8k
      posts
    2. FORUM ANNOUNCEMENTS

      Check in for announcements, important alerts, and new feature intros from the Administrators.

      246
      posts
    3. FORUM HELP

      Having trouble with a portion of the board? Go ahead and post it here so we can help.

      1.9k
      posts
      • Gear Fanatic
    4. SUGGESTIONS & COMMENTS

      Have a suggestion or comment about the website? Feel free to post it here. *This is for forum tech/running issues, etc. Please post thoughts or questions about items or sellers in the proper boards.

      369
      posts
      • MilNut
  2. COLLECTION ASSISTANCE

    1. LATEST FINDS

      Been to a sale and got a great haul to show off? Feel free to post pics here! *Please note that ALL posts in this board are deleted 30 days after posting. Any discussion should be done in separate thread(s) posted in the proper section.

        In Memory of Bob Hudson 

      752
      posts
    2. FAMILY SEARCHES AND RETURNS

      USMF members this section is dedicated to highlighting the items that have been returned to recipients/ owners or their families by our membership or items that forum members would like to attempt to return to the original recipient/owner or families. We will also redirect inquiries from families who join here because of posted items. This section will allow any member to post or list named medals, uniforms, helmets, etc. to be reconnected to the families that could be searching. As always, you as a member have no requirement to respond to contacts about items you post on the forum. If it happens and you are not interested in getting involved, contact a Mod or Admin and they will intercede in your behalf.

      Always proceed with caution and feel comfortable in your contact with parties when returning items. This section is completely VOLUNTARY

      1.6k
      posts
  3. PRE-WWII

    1. (1776-1860) AMERICAN REVOLUTION, WAR OF 1812, MEXICAN-AMERICAN WAR, AMERICAN INDIAN WARS TO 1865

      For US Militaria of the American Revolutionary War, War of 1812, Mexican-American War and Indian Wars eras - 1776-1860.

      1.3k
      posts
    2. (1861-1865) AMERICAN CIVIL WAR - The War Between the States

      For US Militaria of the American Civil War era, 1861-1865.

      8.8k
      posts
    3. (1866-1890) PLAINS INDIAN WARS - Westward Expansion

      For US Militaria of the "Indian Wars" era - 1866-1890.

      2.9k
      posts
    4. (1898-1916) SPANISH AMERICAN WAR, BOXER REBELLION, PHILIPPINE INSURRECTION, MEXICAN BORDER SERVICE TO 1916

      For US Militaria of the 1898 - 1916 era (including Spanish-American War, Boxer Rebellion, Mexican Border, etc.).

      3.6k
      posts
    5. (1917-1919) WORLD WAR ONE, RUSSIAN INTERVENTION

      For US Militaria of the World War One era (The Great War) - 1917-1919.

      19.7k
      posts
    6. (1920-1940) THE INTERWAR YEARS, BANANA WARS, HAWAIIAN DIVISION, CHINA SERVICE to 1940

      For US Militaria of 1920 - 1940 period (including Banana Wars, Hawaiian Division, etc.).

      1.3k
      posts
    7. UNIFORM BUTTONS   (24,947 visits to this link)

  4. CLOTHING & GEAR

    1. GROUPINGS PAGE

      Having a hard time deciding where to post your latest grouping, which includes items of all types? Why not post your groupings here!

       In Memory of Bob Gill (aka 'BobGee') 

      78.4k
      posts
    2. UNIFORMS

      This section contains all types of dress and combat uniforms AND items associated with a uniform to include head gear, foot gear, under clothing and all other clothing accessories.

       In Memory of Gil Sanow

      218.6k
      posts
    3. AVIATION CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT

      For flight suits, flight jackets, flight helmets, parachutes, and more. PLEASE POST DRESS UNIFORMS IN THE UNIFORM SECTION.

      36.5k
      posts
    4. 93.7k
      posts
    5. FIELD & PERSONAL GEAR SECTION

      Post any type of equipment or field gear, including packs, pistol belts, etc. and any type of personal gear, like rations, lighters, soap, shaving cream, etc. NOTE: Holsters can be found in the Firearms & Ordnance section.

       In Memory of Craig Pickrall (aka 'craig_pickrall') 

      81.6k
      posts
    6. BASE/BIVOUAC/CAMP/DEPOT ITEMS

      For base/bivouac/camp/depot/etc. type items, including but not limited to sleeping systems, cooking pots, mess hall cutlery, blankets, foot lockers, wall lockers, tents, field desks, coffee pots, bunk beds, flags, pennants, standards, burgees, guidons, etc.

      4.7k
      posts
  5. MEDALS, SHOULDER SLEEVE & METAL INSIGNIA

    1. 192.7k
      posts
    2. 138.5k
      posts
    3. 21.6k
      posts
    4. BADGES, AWARDS, DUI, AND COLLAR BRASS

      If you like qualification badges, distinctive unit insignias, or collar brass, then step inside! It is all right in one place! Anything not covered in the listed sub-boards should be posted directly in the "BADGES & AWARDS" board.

      30.8k
      posts
    5. 11.6k
      posts
    6. MARINE CORPS EGA DISCUSSION

      For for US Marine Corps EGA / EG&A / Eagle, Globe, and Anchor emblems from all periods. 

        In Memory of Gary Mohrlang 

      8.7k
      posts
    7. WING BADGES

      This section is for the display and discussion of U.S. military related wing badges. So, if you are a wing collector, then step inside!

      57.5k
      posts
    8. HALLMARKS

      This section includes photographic illustrations and / or information regarding the manufacturer codes and hallmarks seen on various types of U.S. military insignia. 

      1.3k
      posts
  6. FIREARMS, ORDNANCE & EDGED WEAPONS

    1. FIREARMS

      Post all types of firearms and firearm accessories, such as ammo, magazines and clips, gun parts, slings, holsters, and ordnance .

      41k
      posts
    2. EDGED WEAPONS

      Post any type of knives, bayonets, swords, or other edged weapons.

         In Memory of Greg Robinson   

      82k
      posts
    3. ORDNANCE

      For posting any type of Ordnance, including (but not limited to) artillery, cannons, mortars, bazookas, rocket launchers, recoilless rifles, mines, hand grenades, rifle grenades, smoke generators and pots, demolition charges and equipment, pyrotechnics and signal/flare projectors, chemical warfare items, anti-submarine explosives, and aerial bombs and rockets.

      3.7k
      posts
  7. VEHICLES, AIRCRAFT & SHIPS

    1. MILITARY AIRCRAFT & AVIATION

      This section is for posting items, information, pictures, etc. on U.S. military aircraft or military aviation.

      24.6k
      posts
    2. 8.7k
      posts
    3. MILITARY VEHICLES

      Post all vehicle information, manuals, pictures, etc.

      17.4k
      posts
  8. HOMEFRONT & VETERANS

    1. HOMEFRONT & THE WAR EFFORT

      Feel free to post any items from the war effort and the homefront struggle to support to the troops abroad.

      15.9k
      posts
    2. VETERAN RECOLLECTIONS

      Have interviews, letters, or other direct-from-the-veteran information that you wish to share with the community? Feel free to post it here!

      3.9k
      posts
    3. VETERANS' ORGANIZATIONS

      Post any type and any period of veterans' organization items here.

      4.6k
      posts
    4. 1.1k
      posts
    5. SPOILS OF WAR

      For bringback items found in duffle bags, footlockers, etc. PLEASE DO NOT POST YOUR ENTIRE NON US COLLECTION.

       

      This section is for foreign items, enemy or allied, brought back by a US soldier, sailor or airman. Preferably these posts include the story of the serviceman who brought them home. Items clearly marked as war prizes or are accompanied by capture papers are also acceptable. Items posted that do not meet these criteria may be removed.

      18.7k
      posts
    6. UNOFFICIAL MILITARY AWARDS (PLAQUES, STEINS, CUPS, CIGARETTE / CIGAR CASES & LIGHTERS, ETC)

      For UNOFFICIAL MILITARY AWARDS including (but not limited to) Steins, Cups, Plaques, Cigarette and Cigar cases, Cigarette Lighters (Zippos and other brands), Swagger Sticks, etc.

      5.6k
      posts
    7. TAPS

      A section for members to post memorials and in memoriam posts. Also, if you know a Forum member has passed away, please post the notice here and include their username.

      9.9k
      posts
  9. MILITARIA MISC.

    1. CHAPLAINS & MEDICS

      For any discussions about the Chaplains Corps and Medical Corps (including but not limited to Chaplain's gear, chapels, personal medic’s gear, any type of hospital equipment, insignia, pamphlets, photographs, posters, groupings, stretchers, field gear, hospital beds and items, etc.) and anything related to their service with the US Armed Forces. Additional topics could include shell shock, trauma, battle fatigue, moral injury morale, and other conditions and/or diseases dealt with by the military. 

      6.8k
      posts
    2. MILITARY EDUCATION & TRAINING

      For any item pertaining to any US Military Academy (i.e. West Point), Colleges, Schools, ROTC (both High School and College), Training Fields/Bases (i.e. Camp Lee, Chanute Field), etc. Whether you are interested in Texas AMC or Chanute Field . . . come right in and discuss anything about all items relating to the above.

      460
      posts
    3. BASES, AIRFIELDS, FACILITIES, AND INDUSTRIAL SITES

      For posts related to Bases, Airfields, Facilities, and Industrial Sites.

      1.1k
      posts
    4. EPHEMERA, PHOTOGRAPHS & MILITARY ARTWORK

      Post any paper documents, newspapers, illustrations, photographs and military artwork.

       In Memory of Eric Queen

      77.7k
      posts
    5. WOMEN'S SERVICES

      This section is a section for items related to the female/women's services, including WAACs, WACs, WAVES, SPARs, USMC Women's Reserve, American Red Cross, and USO.

      9.9k
      posts
    6. PRISONERS OF WAR / P.O.W.'S

      This section is for items used, issued, worn, etc. by prisoners of war.

       

      Any US items issued by the US to AXIS P.O.W.'s are also allowed here.

      4.7k
      posts
    7. AMERICANS IN FOREIGN SERVICE

      For militaria of Americans who served with (or in) Foreign armies and formations.

      900
      posts
    8. ANIMALS IN SERVICE

      For anything related to dogs/pigeons/horses/mules/mascots (any animal) in the service of the US Military.  Including, but not limited to, animal specific equipment, handler groupings, photographs, documents, manuals, insignia, etc. 

      902
      posts
    9. METAL DETECTING AND RELICS

      Post any metal detector finds or relics that have been discovered! Note: US items only, please.

      723
      posts
    10. MISC MILITARIA

      If you have a US military item that does not fit any of the above categories, then feel free to post it in this section.

      74.8k
      posts
  10. HISTORICAL DISCUSSION

    1. MILITARY HISTORY DISCUSSIONS

      Want to discuss U.S. military history, such as historical personalities or battles? Step inside here and post away.

      13.1k
      posts
    2. MUSEUMS, BATTLEFIELDS, AND MONUMENTS

      Share your travels and photos of military museums, battlefields, memorials and cemeteries. US and overseas locations involving US military history welcome.

       

      10.6k
      posts
  11. INTERNATIONAL MILITARIA & HISTORICAL DISCUSSION

    1. INTERNATIONAL MILITARIA & HISTORICAL DISCUSSION   (28,957 visits to this link)

      NOTE: Clicking here takes you to our sister forum, the WMF, which requires a free WMF account to post.

  12. REENACTING & REPRO

    1. REENACTING

      Enjoy reenacting as a participant or an observer? Post anything about reenacting, your impression, a reenactment event or anything to do with reenacting here!

      859
      posts
    2. REPRO MILITARIA

      Found a good piece of repro militaria? Make repro gear of any sort? Post it here to share and discuss!

      637
      posts
    3. REENACTING GROUPS & REPRO GEAR

      *No new posts may be started in this board, please post in the appropriate board above, as this is being split into two boards.

      21.7k
      posts
  13. COLLECTION MAINTENANCE AND DISPLAY

    1. DISPLAY IDEAS

      Have a great display or a great idea for one? Feel free to post those things here!

      235
      posts
    2. PRESERVATION

      Have a great preservation / conservation idea or need advice on preservation / conservation? If so, then this is the place. So, go ahead and step inside!

      9.3k
      posts
  14. HOBBIES & ENTERTAINMENT

    1. MODELING

      Like military models and modeling? Then this is the place for you! Share your creations, learn techniques, and just have fun!

      20.6k
      posts
    2. TOYS & GAMES

      Post your military-themed toys and games! Including Toy soldiers, Soldier dolls, Board games, Spotter card games, GI Joes, etc.

      1.8k
      posts
    3. BOOK REPORTS

      Got a fiction or non-fiction book you wish to tell others about? Be it a good or bad report, we'd love for you to post your thoughts here.

       In Memory of Roger Bender 

      9.8k
      posts
    4. MOVIE & TV REVIEWS

      Got a movie or television show, series or documentary that you wish to tell others about? Be it a good or bad report, we'd love for you to post your thoughts here. Also, please feel free to post foreign movies that involve the US military and/or US servicemen.

      14.6k
      posts
  15. SOCIAL MISC.

    1. EVENTS CALENDAR

      Know of a militaria show, veterans reunion, or other interesting event? Feel free to post it here.

      1.4k
      posts
    2. WHERE TO VISIT, PLACES TO BUY MILITARIA WHILE TRAVELING

      Where to visit, places to visit, military shop locations, places to buy militaria while traveling.

       

      For questions and suggestions of places to visit. Please start your thread title with the name of the state your post focuses on.

       

       

      1.6k
      posts
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  • Recent Posts

    • ViewfinderGyrene
      Yes looking to do a male impression, thx for the reference! Period photos I found were too blurry...
    • 29navy
      I think they pretty much wore Army "officer" uniforms with the appropriate USO patches.  Private purchase, just like the Army officers.    Worn on the OS cap    Lapel Pins    Assuming you are looking for male uniforms?   The book Dressed for Duty, Vol 2, by Jill Halcomb Smith, covers the women's USO uniforms. Insignia is the same for both.  
    • KurtA
      I paid $800 for this grouping about 15 years ago.  At the time, I had to question myself as to whether or not I was crazy.   Prior to to that, my top cost of a VM was about $50.  But I figured this was probably the only opportunity I would ever have to obtain a 10 bar VM.  And attributed in the box . Looking back, I think paying that price was a good move.
    • Razrbak
      2195 is the serial number so it was made in late 1873 or early 1874. Probably not at Little Big Horn, but you never know. Found about 120-130 miles from battlefield. Not much for records of serial numbers. Finally teased it open , not loaded. I believe an elk hunter came upon a thourghly rusted and stock rotted gun lying in the mountains. Most parts too gone but he picked up the barrel and ring as a novelty. Didn’t take too long carrying that as you try to hunt before he decided to just set it against a tree and leave. Maybe years later a father in law was hunting and saw it. Nothing else around as other parts but he actually carried it out. Kept it for a while then gave it to his son in law. He kept it for a while then decided he wasn’t going to do anything with it and gave it to me. I bought old parts and pieces at a gun show in Bozeman MT about 25 years ago and a rough reject  stock blank. Moved 5 more times, TX, SD, ME. MA and then AR.  Finally got around to putting it together.  
    • KurtA
      Here is an example I have of the overseas cap.  Note that the "piping" is the same color as the cap itself -  material chocolate gaberdine material.   Like this example, most USO uniforms came from Saks Fifth Ave of NYC.   As an actual USO overseas cap with this type piping is probably hard to find, I would recommend buying an inexpensive early 1950's unpiped US Army EM overseas cap and then sewing on a rather easy to find full embroidered USO patch. That will be "close enough" for an impression.     Pretty good thread on this subject that should tell you all you need to know.    
    • dpast32
      I too have very fond memories of those days where an ‘expensive’ Victory Medal was something with 5, or even 6 Claps, & they would sell for around $20 or so depending upon condition. I still have the Letter the late Al Gleim sent me when I inquired with him about my above mentioned Group. Without going into this Group’s Notebook to confirm, I recall he stated that it might bring around $180 or so, & probably more if it had the Certificates along with it. And as we know now, a WW1 SSM w/ OLC, PHM, 5 Clasp Victory w/ the proper 2 Citation Stars, plus a few related Medals would most assuredly bring well over $180 these days !! But, we also know that the ultimate value, & actual selling price is what someone who really wants it is willing to pay out. I will say one thing though., someone is probably a very happy Collector today, even at the price it went for !!             Best,   Dom
    • rathbonemuseum.com
      Thanks @haw68 Heath for the correction. Always insightful!
    • Manky bandage
      Any thoughts on these apparent English made pilot wings? I’m a bit dubious of them to be honest. 
    • solcarlus
      Oui     
    • KurtA
      It’s a really nice medal and rather scarce in that configuration .   Certainly not “cheap” but I’ve seen collectors spend  $482.52 on other far more inferior items.  And this is coming from someone who has memories of buying dozens of Victory Medals throughout the 1960’s and 70’s on a regular basis for 5 bucks or so each. In recent years it took me awhile to realize I should pay $35 for common 2 bar VM’s.  Finding them for that price these days is a rare event.   One day $482.52 will seem “cheap” for a medal like this one.    Paying a premium for quality usually turns out well.    
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