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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

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      posts
    2. FORUM ANNOUNCEMENTS

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

      247
      posts
    3. FORUM HELP

      Having trouble with a portion of the board? Go ahead and post it here so we can help. *This board is for tech questions about the site, not item ID or help questions.

      2.1k
      posts
      • SGM (ret.)
    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.

      523
      posts
      • stratasfan
  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 

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    2. REAL OR WHAT?

      It's sometimes hard to tell the real from the fake, especially when you only have online photos to go by: if you have a question or suspicion, post it here.

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      posts
    3. WHAT'S IT WORTH?

      USMF's Own Online UNOFFICIAL Appraisal Forum

      DISCLAIMER: THE USMF IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY APPRAISALS POSTED HERE, WHICH SHOULD NOT BE USED TO ABSOLUTELY DETERMINE SALE PRICE OR INSURANCE VALUE. Please read this before posting.

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      posts
    4. FAMILY SEARCHES AND RETURNS

      Have an item you'd like to return to family? Are you looking for an item that belonged to a particular family service member? Post here!

       

      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 or for family members to post ISO queries when searching for missing family items. 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. they wish 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

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  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.

      1.4k
      posts
    2. (1861-1865) AMERICAN CIVIL WAR - The War Between the States

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

      9.4k
      posts
    3. (1866-1890) PLAINS INDIAN WARS - Westward Expansion

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

      3.2k
      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.).

      4k
      posts
    5. (1917-1919) WORLD WAR ONE, RUSSIAN INTERVENTION

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

      20.4k
      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.).

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      posts
    7. UNIFORM BUTTONS   (32,967 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') 

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    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

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      posts
    3. AVIATION CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT

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

      37.4k
      posts
    4. 96.1k
      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') 

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      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.

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      posts
  5. MEDALS, SHOULDER SLEEVE & METAL INSIGNIA

    1. 194.3k
      posts
    2. 132.7k
      posts
    3. 21.4k
      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.

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    5. 11.7k
      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 

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      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!

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    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. 

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      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 .

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      posts
    2. EDGED WEAPONS

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

         In Memory of Greg Robinson   

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      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.

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      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.

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      posts
    2. 9k
      posts
    3. MILITARY VEHICLES

      Post all vehicle information, manuals, pictures, etc.

      17.6k
      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.

      16k
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    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!

      4k
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    3. VETERANS' ORGANIZATIONS

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

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      posts
    4. 1.2k
      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.

      19k
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    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.

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    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.

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  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. 

      6.9k
      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.

      486
      posts
    3. BASES, AIRFIELDS, FACILITIES, AND INDUSTRIAL SITES

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

      1.3k
      posts
    4. EPHEMERA, PHOTOGRAPHS & MILITARY ARTWORK

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

       In Memory of Eric Queen

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      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.

      7.3k
      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.

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      posts
    7. AMERICANS IN FOREIGN SERVICE

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

      906
      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. 

      933
      posts
    9. METAL DETECTING AND RELICS

      Post any metal detector finds or relics that have been discovered! US items only, please. NOTE: Threads in this board are automatically deleted after six months of no activity.

      354
      posts
    10. REENACTING GROUPS & REPRO GEAR

      Want to share a great piece of repro gear? Want to show off your reenacting impression or talk about the latest reenactment you've been to? This is the board to post anything about reenacting or repro gear! NOTE: Threads in this board are automatically deleted after six months of no activity.

      2.7k
      posts
    11. 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.

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      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.

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      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   (38,105 visits to this link)

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

  12. COLLECTION MAINTENANCE AND DISPLAY

    1. DISPLAY IDEAS

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

      317
      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!

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      posts
  13. 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!

      21k
      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 

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      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.

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      posts
  14. SOCIAL MISC.

    1. EVENTS CALENDAR

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

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      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.

       

       

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      posts
  • Current Donation Goals

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  • Recent Posts

    • aznation
      Welcome back to the forum Vincent and just so you know that's a really great photograph of you.  You look like you could've been there during WWII.  If I were a casting director (which I'm not) you'd be my first pick for a War Correspondent.  Awesome!  Also, thank you for participating in the Normandy celebrations.
    • Saedeleerken
      Hi all,   My name is Vincent De Saedeleer from belgium. I use to have an account here, but unfortunatly, did not know my password anymore and don't use my old emailadress too. So I figured I'll just create a new account here.   My main intrest is 104th ID and War Correspondents during ww2. I also do re-enactments of US WWI and WWII troops. some may know my group: Timberwolves Remembrance Group Belgium. included is a picture of me at this years Normandy celebrations.   Kind Regards, Vincent
    • dmar836
      Very nice. I wish the 8th crewmember tunic could talk! Dave
    • McLenn2025
      There is a separate thread  by the poor soul, who bought this jacket. According to vintageproductions and kammoman, it is fake (done by an apparently well-known faker). Nothing new obviously, but I am always sad to see, that people get ripped off like that...
    • dmar836
    • USMCR79
      I thought there was a regulation on this. Thanks for refreshing my memory.
    • USMCR79
      I think "The Honker" received the Bronze Star Medal at some point in WWII, After 1944.
    • Josh B.
      Ok, these photos look "better" in that they appear die-struck and not cast.   As for assigning a particular manufacturing date range, that is going to be more difficult.  What we believe is the original "male" or reverse die for these pins had the "Gemsco" and "Sterling" as features of the die.  From comparing many photographed examples, the male die appears to have suffered damage rather early in its use, leading to common damage in the "Sterling" area of the die.    I'm not surprised by this damage...these GEMSCO deepwave dolphins have exceptionally high detail/relief, and the amount of force on the male die needed to achieve that relief must have been quite substantial.  To make up for the loss of the "Sterling" mark on the male die, the sterling badges were then individually counterstruck with a smaller "STERLING +1/20 10K GF" mark for metal content.   Against that background,  I believe your pin is not from the earliest runs of the insignia.  The pin does not appear to be sterling, and the male die used is either a completely different one from that used to make the sterling examples, or the "Sterling" mark had completely degraded from the stamping surface by the time it was used here.  I point out that the Gemsco mark itself is fairly weak, but the telltale stress lines in the metal left by the male die, and are found on sterling examples too, are in your pin.  Your pin-hinge hardware is also different from what I usually see on the sterling badges too.  So from what I can see, your pin likely isn't a reproduction per se, but I personally wouldn't place it alongside the standard Sterling examples (which I attribute to late WWII to Korean War era) in terms of timeline.  As I wrote above, the back-die details and hardware appear "later" to me.     Footnote: I've seen very few, if any, clear images of GEMSCO Deepwave dolphins in wartime uniform photos.  To a trained eye, they are easy to pick out compared to the similar-but-distinct H-H deepwave dolphins: the latter being quite commonly worn during the period.  But GEMSCO submarine patrol pins also show up in wartime groupings far less than H-H, AMICO, and Blackinton too.  So this may be a reflection of GEMSCO having much smaller submarine insignia market share during the period. Or alternatively, perhaps GEMSCO diluted their own market for their heavy sterling deepwave pins to some degree, by virtue of the company also producing other distinctly-designed (and perhaps cheaper) officer's dolphins during the war.  That said, the expensive construction and finish of the sterling GEMSCO deepwave pins places them in the WWII-Korean era; by the late 50 to early 60's, submarine dolphins became much less detailed across manufacturers and look "cheap" compared to 40's and earlier examples that have a more jewelry-like quality.
    • Johan Willaert
      I met up with Ron Fitzpatrick from G503 at Grandcamp on Sunday. Ron is the creator of the G503 forum, G503 Jeep Parts and the G503 Facebook page and has thus created a worldwide community of Jeep owners... G503 was the US Government's vehicle model number attributed to the Jeep    
    • Johan Willaert
      Joe's Motor Pool, a British based manufacturer and dealer of Jeep parts, brought several rarities to its Normandy HQ at Hiesville. There was a line-up of different Jeep prototypes, including a Willys MA ( I spotted a second Luxemburg owned one on the road ), a Bantam BRC40 and two 4-wheel steer Ford GPs..., along with a GPA amphibian.... Also they brought a very early production Ford GPW in unrestored condition.... All of these were driven to France from England...    
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