Reforger

Shold-R-Form Meyer insignia with a raised shield was used around WWII. So these are probably WWII era. However, Shold-R-Form insignia existed before and after WWII as well.

Ok, here we go. Early WWII silver Coast Guard dog tag. Unfortunately no information on his service. Early WWII USMC dog tag with thumbprint on back. If I remember right, this Marine was in an artillery unit and saw some action in WWII. Free access to Ancestry's muster rolls just ended, so I can't check the unit anymore. Should have written it down when I checked. This has to be the most worn down dog tag I've seen so far. Definitely has "character". Dog tag to a D-Day veteran. This sailor served on LST-230, which landed at Uncle Red, Utah Beach for the Normandy invasion. Early WWII Navy dog tag with thumbprint on back to a ChCarp. NOK dog tags to New Yorkers. Father and son tags. African American soldiers' tags. Not seen that often. Jewish soldiers' tags. Korean War era dog tags from various service forms. AO - Air Force Officer, AF - Air Force enlisted, US - Draftee, RA - Regular Army And one more, a forward observer wounded in 1951 by a sniper in the Battle of the Iron Triangle, Korea. (I posted this one before)

I did basic research on all of them and a little more on a few like muster rolls on the Navy/USMC tags. So I guess there could be some with very interesting background if you did more detailed research. I‘ll post some individual pics of a few tags soon.

You‘re right, didn‘t think about that aspect.

Well, I am rearranging a few things including dog tags. Most of these were attached to a board (with string) but they've been coming off. So it's time for a new display. Anyway, when you actually hold all of them in your hands and put them in a pile, you notice how many there are. Tags galore!

I think if it stays dry and isn't subject to temperature chances, it should be good. The verdigris probably came from moisture. Brass isn't as susceptible to deterioration as iron. But I guess sealing it wouldn't hurt either.

I saw this one as well and I don't like it. The ribbon doesn't match the wear and use of the medal. The stitching looks bad as well. On the other hand, the ribbon could have been damaged and replaced with a new one. But there is still the medal itself and the engraving. It just doesn't look right (large, thick letters) and appears artificially aged. And then there is the question, as already mentioned, if there was actually a Marine with that name that received such a medal in that time frame. It did sell for a lot though, didn't it?

Interesting early medals for sure!

Awesome dog tag and looks correct!

Nice find!

Very interesting and rare group to a woman!

Wow! That is a great collection! Better than what you see in a lot of museums! Do you also have items from Operation Nordwind?

I cleaned up some old leather this way: Wiped all the dust and dirt off with a wet rag. After it was clean, I rubbed/polished it with vaseline. Looked good, even after years. It didn't make the leather look like new, but it preserved it and was cleaner. Not sure what to do about the mold though.

Yes, looks good. I wouldn't use vinegar or any other acid because it can really mess up the color. I would have said try a toothpick, but you already cleaned it up well.

Shadow boxes are definitely a good idea if you have limited space. Keep in mind that light/UV protection is important for photos and paper items.