Plating can be removed, but it's a long process and it doesn't help the markings or the value.  There's a company in Florida that will do it, but it can take them up to a year to do it right (to include blueing the parts after the plating is removed).

jumpship you found that old topic fast, thanks, wonder if its put together now, just did a up close view of the area above the U.S. ARMY Tape and not seeing evidence of cloth jump wings, or it is there but hard to see, but check out the other side, the Rigger Wings are sewn kinda crooked, and we do see ghosting of a Patch there. like ARVN stuff.   Om it being worn this Murray ROTC patch by a U.S. Army instructor, maybe, but these guys tended to wear an Army patch Ie 5th Army, 3rd Army etc.

I love the tags where they were found. Relic pieces are affordable and were "there". Well done. 

Picked up this 1/6 tin drummer boy (I know field musician) from Larry Stewart out in Az today. Love the red tint drum strap. Wish cap insignia was legible 

Yes, I have all of them from the first issue, 1964 I think, till the 1982 issue, December 82 is when I ETSed, thus ending my real study interest in Army.

Nice shell fragments. There used to be a vendor at a local monthly flea market that always had a few of these at his table. There is also a CW relic dealer in Tennessee that always had some for sale. I eventually ended up with a small pile of them. It was fun and often frustrating trying to put an ID to them. But they are literally a down to earth connection to the war.  Mikie

Can plating even be removed?

Much appreciated AG! Does anyone know the proper thread to put these in?

🤣

While he's more famous for his role in WW1 with the railway artillery guns he was a Lieutenant (Junior Grade) on the USS Petrel in the Battle of Manilla Bay. I normally collect WW2 but couldn't believe such a high ranking officers collection spanning so many years is still around. I'm also a pawnbroker and have seen only a 2 or 3 very common souvenir Span-Am war pieces in my over a decade working. (This is coming up for auction in June at Ratisbons)  Dewey medal: named Spanish: 1758  Philippines: 124