Look what I found

[coastie]

Went to a BIG flea/collectors market last week-end. Found some good stuff. I saw this on a table laying brim down and couldn't see the tally. I asked how much and the guy said $5 I said deal. I didn't know what I had until I pulled it out of the bag.

[ADMIN]

Nice find. Can't be many of of those floating around. (no pun intended )

[gunbarrel]

U.S. Maritime Service? I have to admit that I didn't have a clue and I Googled it...

[coastie]

U.S. Maritime Service? I have to admit that I didn't have a clue and I Googled it...

 

 

That's what it is. I must admit I was shocked when I saw the tally.

[Ricardo]

Hi,

 

Maybe...United States Merchant Service (or Ship)

 

 

Best regards,

 

Ricardo.

[gunbarrel]

Hi,

 

Maybe...United States Merchant Service (or Ship)

 

 

Best regards,

 

Ricardo.

Nope, it's U.S. Maritime Service, just like the poster confirmed. I just learned about it yesterday, myself. Read about it here:

 

http://www.usmm.org/usms.html

[coastie]

Finding this hat as I said was totally unexpected and enhances my Merchant Marine collection. This I think is my first uniform piece, the rest is paperwork and photos.

[SteveR]

Finding this hat as I said was totally unexpected and enhances my Merchant Marine collection. This I think is my first uniform piece, the rest is paperwork and photos.

I have always liked Merchant Marine stuff. It is VERY hard to find.

Great catch.

Those boys really took a shellacking during the war in the Atlantic from German U-Boats especially on the Murmansk Russia runs, many died in service to keep our allies supplied at critical times.