Best veteran's item in 2008?

[SARGE]

OK, let's try a thread on what was the best veteran's item you picked up this year. Was it a boxed CW Veteran medal? How about an identified VFW uniform? Perhaps it was a photograph album?

 

Here is one of mine that I aquired in 2008. It is a history of the 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment that was compiled by a veteran member who was a Captain when he jumped into France on D-Day. The veteran also gave me a DVD with the history of the the unit and an account of their return to France to dedicate a monument for their brothers of the 507 PIR. Lastly, there is a challenge coin showing the monument they erected some fifty years later. The personal connection to this retired Colonel is the thing that makes these items of material culture stand out in my mind.

 

 

[KevinBeyer]

OK, let's try a thread on what was the best veteran's item you picked up this year. Was it a boxed CW Veteran medal? How about an identified VFW uniform? Perhaps it was a photograph album?

 

I'd have to say that the best item obtained this year would be the Grand Army of the Republic reunion badge from the National Encampment held in Chicago, Illinois, in the year 1900. I never thought that I would be able to afford one. G.A.R. reunion badges are outside of my financial means. But, one came up for sale at a very good price and I was able to add it to my collection. I have been looking for other badges and souvenirs from this event, but I could have never dreamed I would have the chance to own this badge.

 

 

Kevin

[SCF-Collector]

I've had a very good (and lucky) collecting year and have added a number of wonderful items to my collection - but in keeping with my fascination with the Gettysburg 50th Anniversary Reunion I'd have to post this rather unique item as my #1 acquisition for 2008.

 

This is I assume a one-of-a-kind embroidered display (I think it was framed at one time) created for the 50th Anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg in 1913. You can see that it was folded for a long period of time. Someone put a whole lot of very detailed work into created this amazing remembrance of the reunion. It is approximately 21" x 21" - a little dirty and stained in a couple places - but I love it. It actually came with the name of a Veteran associated with it but the association isn't solid so I won't mention the details here. When I look at it I wonder if it was there in Gettysburg in 1913, nicely framed and hanging in a Veteran's tent - or made afterwards to commemorate the event. Doesn't matter to me - it's still a great piece of history! I am going to have it framed (conservation mounted) so I can display this as the center of my 1913 Gettysburg collection.

 

[ADMIN]

Wow! Great pieces, guys!

 

I know I've said it before, but I'll say it again - I really love seeing and hearing the history of the vet items! Sadly, as mentioned before, nice pieces like these aren't cheap and one can't afford everything.

[Custermen]

I may have posted this on another thread.

 

I obtained this Veteran's cap for the 339th Infantry Regiment. On the opposite side it has a replica DUI pin that looks almost original in "silver". The cap dates from the 1960's.

 

I attended the last reunion of the Polar Bears last October.

 

Steve

 

[Salvage Sailor]

Aloha Everyone,

 

Here's my favorite veterans pickup of 2008, a nice addition to my NWIE collection.

 

Hatch's Independent Cavalry Battalion - one of the units assigned to the Northwest Indian Expedition 1862 - 1865. My Gr Gr Grandfather served on General Sully's staff as the collector for the Smithsonian Institution while concurrently being the Hospital Steward of the Sixth Iowa Volunteer Cavalry. This is a nice addition to join my archive of 6th Iowa Cav, 7th Iowa Cav, 2nd Nebraska Cav, Dakota Cav & Brackett's Battalion items - the US Army's Indian fighters during the War of Rebellion (not every bluecoat was fighting Johnny Reb.....many a trooper lies forgotten in the Dakotas at Whitestone Hills, Killdeer Mountain, the Badlands, Hart River, etc. )

 

While the rest of the Union army demobilized in 1865, these troopers remained on the plains until October 1865-April 1866 until the regulars could be re-deployed to the frontier.

[Bugme]

Direct from the vet this year... his hands to mine: Grouping from Sgt. Frederick(Fritz) Zenk of Sheboygan, Wisconsin. He jumped with the 82nd Airborne, HQ Co. 1st. Bn. 505th PIR. He jumped in Africa, Sicily, Normandy, Market Garden and fought in the Battle of the Bulge.

[SARGE]

Some excellent finds gentlemen!

 

Stuff is still out there to be found. The trick seems to be looking in just the right place. Thanks for showing and keep 'em coming.

[teufelhunde.ret]

http://www.usmilitariaforum.com/forums/ind...c=32876&hl=

[Bluehawk]

Thanks to the good people here, from scratch zero I collected 278 Air Force patches & insignia to begin a bequest for my newborn granddaughter... something to slowly build for her future.

 

It could not have happened without USMF and those individuals.

 

Thank you.

[SARGE]

Thanks to the good people here, from scratch zero I collected 278 Air Force patches & insignia to begin a bequest for my newborn granddaughter... something to slowly build for her future.

 

It could not have happened without USMF and those individuals.

 

Thank you.

 

Very kind or you Bluehawk. One of the things that we wanted to do when we started here at USMF was to help new collectors become experienced collectors. I began collecting militaria some 50 years ago and I still remember the old-time collectors and dealers who helped me to build my collection. They gave of their time and knowledge to help out a newbe kid and I have never forgotten them. I am glad that you have found folks to help you out here at USMF.

[doyler]

Thanks to the good people here, from scratch zero I collected 278 Air Force patches & insignia to begin a bequest for my newborn granddaughter... something to slowly build for her future.

 

It could not have happened without USMF and those individuals.

 

Thank you.

 

 

I just wanted to add to BlueHawks post.

 

He is first class to deal with and his wealth of knowledge and back round with museum operation and preservation posts as well as links are most welcomed by myself.

 

RON

[Bluehawk]

Sarge & Doyler,

I appreciate your comments, very much. I've tried to give as good as I've received here, and am grateful for an opportunity to contribute seriously to the body of US militaria history.

 

I take this opportunity to specifically name the members whose patience with me (in various ways) and generosity have been especially noteworthy to date (in no particular order):

 

Teamski (who got me started)

Proud Kraut

hhbooker2

Bones

Vintage Productions

Forum Rep

Bill

Tom Pearcy

Wailuna

101CH47

Schottzie

captain of the 7th

Capt Cav

Colonel Bob

craig_pickrall

easystreet

gwb123

MWalsh

Doyler

37th guy

36-Tex

316th FS 324th FG

Corpl Cleaver

Shrapneldude

Andrew 74

Mason (user name misplaced)

Mark Hunt

Robin Bartel

Circle T Militaria (Carl Junction, MO)

 

I must hasten to add, in this branch of collecting the ever-present potential to waste time and limited funds on fakes or reproductions (unintentionally) is a factor the newcomer would face totally alone without any defense if attempting a project such as mine.

 

Thanks to the calibre of people on USMF, I have been essentially relieved of the worry as to authenticity and trust. That does not mean that I bear no responsibility to perform necessary research, but rather that if a mistake is made, then it will have been guileless. A person could waste the same or a greater amount of money on these artifacts and end up with essentially nothing were it not for the honor of USMF sellers and historians.

 

This USMF is truly unique in the America of today.

[501stGeronimo]

Direct from the vet this year... his hands to mine: Grouping from Sgt. Frederick(Fritz) Zenk of Sheboygan, Wisconsin. He jumped with the 82nd Airborne, HQ Co. 1st. Bn. 505th PIR. He jumped in Africa, Sicily, Normandy, Market Garden and fought in the Battle of the Bulge.

Why is that a ww2 501st jump oval?