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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

      6.4k
      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.

      528
      posts
      • Laurencek
  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 

      2.5k
      posts
    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.

      58.4k
      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.

      3.9k
      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

      1.9k
      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.

      1.4k
      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.).

      1.6k
      posts
    7. UNIFORM BUTTONS   (33,252 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') 

      78.5k
      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

      156.3k
      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') 

      83.1k
      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.

      4.4k
      posts
  5. MEDALS, SHOULDER SLEEVE & METAL INSIGNIA

    1. 194.5k
      posts
    2. 131.3k
      posts
      • vernon
    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.

      31.8k
      posts
    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!

      58.2k
      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 .

      14.2k
      posts
    2. EDGED WEAPONS

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

         In Memory of Greg Robinson   

      84.1k
      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.

      4.5k
      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.

      24.7k
      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
      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!

      4k
      posts
    3. VETERANS' ORGANIZATIONS

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

      4.6k
      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
      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.

      6.4k
      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.

      7.8k
      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. 

      6.9k
      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.

      488
      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

      78.2k
      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.

      4.8k
      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. 

      936
      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.

      77.4k
      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.

      13.3k
      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   (38,410 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!

      9.4k
      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!

      21.1k
      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.

      14.8k
      posts
  14. SOCIAL MISC.

    1. EVENTS CALENDAR

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

      1.5k
      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
  • Current Donation Goals

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  • Recent Posts

    • Manky bandage
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      Wow, look at the wear on the rear tires on this Ford GPW Jeep
    • CollectorofThings
      Hey guys! My nice navy set needed a chinstrap for the hood rubber line. I picked up this green buckle with nice patina. Has a green buckle on the reverse. I know there were examples of this during the war. Some goofball on Facebook has me re-thinking what I believe to be good to go. Just wanted some actual expert input thanks! First pic showing reverse and the anchor I put a little clp to help aid removing some white corrosion FYI in case someone thought it looked different.
    • KingCornChip
      Got pictures?   I just missed a nice estate sale in WI to a 32nd infantry division estate sale that had a nice pith.    Unfortunately, estate sales seem to target people who don't work thursdays at 10 AM :P
    • nicolas75
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    • Matt_X
      The question here is whether any of this story can be verified.  The oldest version of that Wolfgang Fleck story I've found with simple web searches is from June 6, 2026. https://www.humanbehavior.co.uk/2026/06/did-any-american-or-british-soldiers.html   A different story of a US vet with that name was posted on Instagram Nov 11, 2020 with a video.  Someone else added a comment June 10, 2026 claiming 'Gramps' destroyed two Sherman tanks.  https://www.instagram.com/p/CHdgnjtLhRs/?img_index=1
    • larkworthy
      Below is another U.S.N.C.P.C. revolver that later shipped to the UK.  It may have been sent to protect Naval Assets and then circulated or imported from England.  Waiting on a factory letter on this one.      
    • larkworthy
      Prior to the US entry into World War II, Smith & Wesson was already filling orders for British Commonwealth Country's.  Several revolvers in the 680,000-999,999 serial number range were sent to South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and of course Great Britain.  Most of the pre-Victory model revolvers were shipped in 38 S&W, also known as 38-200.  The Smith & Wesson's in this serial number range are considered pre-Victory models (or simply 1905, 4th Change Military & Police revolvers).  Once 999,999 was made, the factory shifted to V1 through V800,000 or so (later ones will have a S in front of V in the serial number to identify the safety block mechanism that was installed near the end of the war).  The V serial numbered revolvers are considered Victory models.   In the pre-Victory Model serial number range are several guns that shipped to the U.S. Navy, several to police departments and gun stores/distributors.  The vast majority of the U.S. shipped guns will be blue finish with a 4, 5, or 6" barrel in 38 special.  Some nickel guns, target, and midnight black finish variations are in the 680,000-999,999 range as well.     Through the first eleven months of 1941, the U.S. military establishment was acquiring the commercial version of the .38 M&P revolver (.38 Special chamber), mostly for stateside security services, especially at ordnance depots and ports. Most of these guns were acquired through various purchase orders. The largest known example is a U.S. Navy request for 3,000 revolvers that were to be issued to the U.S. Naval Civilian Police Corps. The formal request for this purchase is dated January 4, 1941, and specifies that the backstrap of the gun is to be marked U.S.N.C.P.C. Company records reveal that all of the requested guns were delivered in ten shipments beginning on March 14 and ending on May 10, 1941.   Archive documentation indicates there were 10 shipments from S&W to the Navy of 300 guns each. Later research found an additional shipment of 350 guns. That does not mean there are 3350 U.S.N.P.C. guns, necessarily.  It is possible that some of the first 10 shipments were short of the 300 guns believe to be in the shipments, and the 11th shipment of 350 guns made up any differences. Navy archives indicate that 35 U.S.N.C.P.C. guns were shipped to Bethlehem Steel Co. as Guard guns. Also, check Charles Pates' article in the Jan-Feb 1999 issue of Man @Arms and also his article in the S&WCA Collector's Assoc. Journal on these revolvers.   Credits go to COL Charles Pate, the S&W Forum and the late Ed Cornett for this information.   The revolver pictured below is a 4" Blue Finish 1905 Military & Police 4th Change (pre-Victory model), serial number 752705, and shipped on March 20, 1941 to the Washington Navy Yard, Washington D.C. as part of a 300 revolver shipment   Regards, Lyle    
    • BlueBookGuy
      hello all,   going decidedly slow thru my latest, and last, project of an AAF fighter pilot   -    this time, early-mid war. First months of 1943 are the timeframe I'd quite like setting the guy into, after four US aviators (plus one from the RAF, set in India/Burma) all of them staying within the last 16 months of war. I'd like very much putting on it a very nice and complete A-10 (Revised) mask, just do not find any more infos indicating with a decent degree of accuracy when the variant could have started seeing service in units overseas. Accompanying booklet is marked with T.O. 03-50B-1 and dated February 5th, 1943, yet could that be just the ultimate standardization   -    while the mask itself possibly was already used somewhere on overseas fronts?   Thanx in advance for any tips!  Franco.  P.S.,  the mfg. date 4-1943 would not to be an issue to me at all, should it come out that the A-10 (R) variant had seen actual service prior that precise date.        
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