Rag House Airborne Pickups in Years past

[36-tex]

I NEED MORE LOUIE!!

 

THE LAST FIX WAS WAY TO LONG AGO! You need my help digging thru to find things to post?

[Johan Willaert]

http://www.majordickwinters.com/phpBB3/vie...f=16&t=4103

[Kurt Barickman]

Great, great thread :thumbsup: Can't thank you enough for taking the time to post some of your finds. :thumbsup:

 

Kurt Barickma

[Costa]

this is unbeleivable! a rag mill------- looking at all of those jackets and shirts got me sick. vintage good stuff and some scarce items as well. seems to me the vet died and the widow tossed it with all the trimmings. good job louie in the rescue. just think of what was thrown in the past that wasn't saved. a real shame indeed. keep up the good work!!!!!!!!!!! :crying:

[giconceptsjw]

Lots of great stuff. Thanks for posting all the pics.

 

I've got bins full of rag mill finds myself from back in the 1980's & 90's. Funny, when I posted pics on the forum of some of it, people cry "fake", "no way", "that patch is sewn on 1/8 inch too low", "that uniform has issues", etc., etc.

 

It's great that something stolen was rightfully returned to the owner in this case but there are too many times when unscrupulous people use that as a means to get something for free. It's just my rule to never post pics of anything with a name on it. It's been my experience that for every honest person requesting the return of something lost or stolen, there are 20 who lay the guilt trip on just to get something to re-sell on e-bay.

 

JW

[louie]

Mr Potter did pay me for the jacket, so that was not an issue. I did learn a lesson from this, and that is what giconcepts is saying in the post above. I won't put up the names anymore due to this. I worked these nasty rag houses for 25 years collecting this stuff, and unlike others didn't strip them for the patches and toss the uniform. Now, that I need to get rid of some of the stuff to pay off bills, mostly kid's college, I felt bad that some made it seem like I had stolen this jacket! In the 80's people would need to have their head examined if they stole an Ike jacket since most could care less. This is why I probably won't put up any more stuff here on this forum, or def. not give out the names. I have come across many airborne, Marine, Ranger, etc. that now are worth a lot, but before would cost only a few dollars in a thrift store, and even then wouldn't sell and be baled for rags. I served in the military for 20 years in all branches but the Navy, and have always appreciated this stuff. Many friends are on that black wall in D.C. I have always felt there is an aura of honor in those uniforms for the person who wore them that seems to still present itself. As many as you see for sale on Ebay, there are ten times that number that were tossed in the 40's, 50's, 60's. etc. Until Pvt. Ryan, The Pacific, etc brought a new awareness of the sacrifices many made, many people took for granted the sacrifices these men made, including the ultimate one. As the young man who received the Medal of Honor last week showed, today's troops continue in that proud tradition of service to the Nation.

[swmdo]

:bravo: This is one of the best strings ever!!! Please show more!

[36-tex]

Louie, I do understand your concerns and will accept your decision on posting more here. It is awesome to see what once were "junk" and now are desired.

[zbcdn]

close up of patch.

 

My lord. Where do such rage houses exist.....that patch is off the hook.

[usmcski]

Mr Potter did pay me for the jacket, so that was not an issue. I did learn a lesson from this, and that is what giconcepts is saying in the post above. I won't put up the names anymore due to this. I worked these nasty rag houses for 25 years collecting this stuff, and unlike others didn't strip them for the patches and toss the uniform. Now, that I need to get rid of some of the stuff to pay off bills, mostly kid's college, I felt bad that some made it seem like I had stolen this jacket! In the 80's people would need to have their head examined if they stole an Ike jacket since most could care less. This is why I probably won't put up any more stuff here on this forum, or def. not give out the names. I have come across many airborne, Marine, Ranger, etc. that now are worth a lot, but before would cost only a few dollars in a thrift store, and even then wouldn't sell and be baled for rags. I served in the military for 20 years in all branches but the Navy, and have always appreciated this stuff. Many friends are on that black wall in D.C. I have always felt there is an aura of honor in those uniforms for the person who wore them that seems to still present itself. As many as you see for sale on Ebay, there are ten times that number that were tossed in the 40's, 50's, 60's. etc. Until Pvt. Ryan, The Pacific, etc brought a new awareness of the sacrifices many made, many people took for granted the sacrifices these men made, including the ultimate one. As the young man who received the Medal of Honor last week showed, today's troops continue in that proud tradition of service to the Nation.

 

 

Louie brings up a great point. The stuff that some of us pass over while looking for the "good stuff" is great stuff in its own right! If you happen upon some "cheap modern stuff", remember, it's all a part of our history. Someday, militaria from our generation will be the "old stuff" that represents the service and sacrifice from the conflicts of the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Hopefully, it doesn't take 50 years or a couple movies to bring to light the sacrifices paid by those who have served in our Nation's latest conflicts. And trust me, there are definitely some "heroes" among us (quite a few on the Forum, as a matter of fact).

 

Semper,

 

Ski

[Nkomo]

Louie brings up a great point. The stuff that some of us pass over while looking for the "good stuff" is great stuff in its own right! If you happen upon some "cheap modern stuff", remember, it's all a part of our history. Someday, militaria from our generation will be the "old stuff" that represents the service and sacrifice from the conflicts of the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Hopefully, it doesn't take 50 years or a couple movies to bring to light the sacrifices paid by those who have served in our Nation's latest conflicts. And trust me, there are definitely some "heroes" among us (quite a few on the Forum, as a matter of fact).

 

Semper,

 

Ski

Well said, Ski. :thumbsup:

[Corpsmancollector]

Mr Potter did pay me for the jacket, so that was not an issue. I did learn a lesson from this, and that is what giconcepts is saying in the post above. I won't put up the names anymore due to this. I worked these nasty rag houses for 25 years collecting this stuff, and unlike others didn't strip them for the patches and toss the uniform. Now, that I need to get rid of some of the stuff to pay off bills, mostly kid's college, I felt bad that some made it seem like I had stolen this jacket! In the 80's people would need to have their head examined if they stole an Ike jacket since most could care less. This is why I probably won't put up any more stuff here on this forum, or def. not give out the names. I have come across many airborne, Marine, Ranger, etc. that now are worth a lot, but before would cost only a few dollars in a thrift store, and even then wouldn't sell and be baled for rags. I served in the military for 20 years in all branches but the Navy, and have always appreciated this stuff. Many friends are on that black wall in D.C. I have always felt there is an aura of honor in those uniforms for the person who wore them that seems to still present itself. As many as you see for sale on Ebay, there are ten times that number that were tossed in the 40's, 50's, 60's. etc. Until Pvt. Ryan, The Pacific, etc brought a new awareness of the sacrifices many made, many people took for granted the sacrifices these men made, including the ultimate one. As the young man who received the Medal of Honor last week showed, today's troops continue in that proud tradition of service to the Nation.

 

I can completely understand that Louie (and Jeff) but please don't let that stop you from posting what have been in the past, some stunning examples of very rare uniforms. I sympathise with not wanting to show names and I think that's only too fair. I've said before, this is probably one of my favorite threads on the forum (I'm sure I'm not the only one!) and not only because of amazing stuff that has been found but the stories to go with the items. Please keep posting guys, it really does makes the forum a richer and more knowledgeable place :thumbsup:

 

Edit: Ski, really well made point! Completely agree!

[keith d]

I was recently "let into" a rag mill to get a quick tour and run down on how they operate concerning picking militaria. I have to spend a minimum amount, period, no big deal. Nothing was priced and when I asked about pricing I was given sort of a run around about age, quality, etc... The thing that concerns me the most is that the operator kept bring up that they sell to the Japanese. This worries me because they also told me that the Japanese told them how much to price their military rag. The other concern that I have is that there was no "set pricing". Should I even try to pick here or just move along? Thanks for any input.

[ww2collector]

At the time it was listed on ebay I was the one with the highest bid. Then I searched the son of George L Potter and notified him. He reached an agreement with the seller and now the uniform is back with the family.

The uniform was stolen in the 80's according to the family.

 

Eric

 

 

 

Outstanding collection and thread -

- And in case you didn't know your 101st Airborne Ike in posts 152 thru 154 is from Pvt. George L. Potter Jr of E company 506th (yes Band of Brothers fame)


Field Title Value Meaning
ARMY SERIAL NUMBER 19135776 19135776
NAME POTTER#GEORGE#L#JR###### POTTER#GEORGE#L#JR######
RESIDENCE: STATE 95 OREGON
RESIDENCE: COUNTY 027 HOOD RIVER
PLACE OF ENLISTMENT 9580 PORTLAND OREGON
DATE OF ENLISTMENT DAY 28 28
DATE OF ENLISTMENT MONTH 09 09
DATE OF ENLISTMENT YEAR 42 42
GRADE: ALPHA DESIGNATION PVT# Private
GRADE: CODE 8 Private
BRANCH: ALPHA DESIGNATION INF Infantry
BRANCH: CODE 10 Infantry
FIELD USE AS DESIRED # #
TERM OF ENLISTMENT 5 Enlistment for the duration of the War or other emergency, plus six months, subject to the discretion of the President or otherwise according to law
LONGEVITY ### ###
SOURCE OF ARMY PERSONNEL 0 Civil Life
NATIVITY 43 GEORGIA
YEAR OF BIRTH 23 23
RACE AND CITIZENSHIP 1 White, citizen
EDUCATION 3 3 years of high school
CIVILIAN OCCUPATION 175 Salespersons
MARITAL STATUS 6 Single, without dependents
COMPONENT OF THE ARMY 6 Army of the United States - includes the following: Voluntary enlistments effective December 8, 1941 and thereafter; One year enlistments of National Guardsman whose State enlistment expires while in the Federal Service; Officers appointed in the Army of the United States under Army Regulations 605-10
CARD NUMBER # #
BOX NUMBER 0313 0313
FILM REEL NUMBER 3.35# 3.35#



That oughta make it worth a few sheckles more !!

 

[Salvage Sailor]

Bump to the top for the newer members........because it's a bitchen topic full of uniform porn

 

(just went through the whole topic again.......think I need a shower)

[Cpl. Punishment]

This is nuts!!! I am jealous! Louie, if you ever want to part with any 325th GIR items please let me know! Im a young collector and had a close family friend's dad serve with the 325th!

 

Thanks!

[63 RECON]

Close ups of two patches

 

Just came across this fantastic thread, so many great pieces. thanks for showing.

 

btw what is this patch?

[vintageproductions]

Red Ball Express

[odiestreasures]

I stopped by a thrift store last week on the way to the market. Picked up a mint HBT 1943 jacket for $ 2.00s. Most of the time there is nothing there, but every once in a while I will find something.

 

Odell

[louie]

lt is not the same anymore like when I started. In the 80's and even the nineties the internet was still not that available. Remember dial up? Well now even everyone's phone has a connection, and that has taught people to just not throw out grandpa"s old stuff. Before, most saw them as old ratty clothes. Now, even very boring uniforms are seen as something very special, and not for the Goodwill or Salvation Army. Right now it is 90 degrees in So. Cal. If someone gave them an old WW2 overcoat, most than likely it would be baled and sent to a rag house. No one is going to buy wool in the summer usually, and especially old scratchy uniforms with moth holes. Now, however most of those don't even make it to thrift stores. Now and then you will find something, but most just sell modern post Vietnam War stuff. The Second War ended over seventy years ago, and the first war almost a hundred years ago. The good ole' days of finding really cool old stuff in mills for the most part is over.

[patches]

Good Stuff, so BUMP.

[louie]

I still go to a rag mill once in a while. but it is mostly Marine or Army cammies. The best thing I have found this year was a mint m65 silver zipper field jacket. Sold quickly for 255.00 on Ebay. I was going to keep it, but still have mine and it's still in pretty good shape. Very tough to find WW2, Vietnam, and forget WW1. The days of people throwing out grandpa's uniform, or giving it to the Goodwill is pretty much over. I even used to find some German stuff, usually camo, and never with any insignia on it. Found a very nice Autumn pattern SS parka for all of ten dollars years back. Still had stuff in pockets from an ex hunter.