Unfortunately, it's pretty common to replace fixed bales for D bales to increase the value of a shell. The chinstraps look reproduction as well, especially the metal hardware. I'd stay away from this one.

Thanks Tod,       I compared it to a WWI standard pattern Robbins and it is exact. Have you ever seen another company using the Robbins pattern style in a die with no cuts? Just curious. If there's one like it, there must be others.   -Gerard

There's a few all-metal wire screwdrivers online, somewhat similar only much smaller than yours. One description is 'Vintage Small Metal Screwdriver Fishing Guns Sewing'  

I think the answer would require a device that measures metal content. I suspect that it is not sterling, therefore the obliteration of the mark. Could be coin, another type of alloy, etc.

Hi Gerard,   I don't have any kind of evidentiary knowledge to add to your question. As I am sure you have read, Nanco and Pancraft marked wings were made by Robbins. Exact same dies. I would guess that this was made by a different die than the ones with open cuts. I think the cuts are part of the die, not hand cut as these were produced in quantity unlike WWI wings. @haw68 might know for sure as he's studied Robbins dies. Also, yes the findings are original to your badge, the pin is likely from a period brooch with that twist designed to keep it from shifting. It also looks like it was installed upside down. But it's been there a while.    cheers, Tod

Possibly related to this unit .......

Here's a patch Image a friend needs the ID for , hope someone can help, thanks :) 

Adje--Thank you so much for looking into the burial for Robert Cheever. It is a strange case that I will continue to pursue as it bothers me not to know where his final resting place is. Also, thank you for the video, it was very enlightening to hear from people who were there at that time, both the Dutch and the Americans. I loved the story about the boys who stole the shirts and dyed them to conceal where they came from! I am glad that he was honest and told us what they did back then. It must have been a bit of a horrible experience to live at the place and that time. Tough times for sure.  I think you will enjoy the Robert Edsel book when you get it, he has visited there many times and talked to many of the people who where there at the time. I would like to read the 2 books you mentioned also. A first hand account and personal experiences are most interesting to me. Thank you for your continued efforts in unearthing the artifacts, I would like to do that also. By the way, your English is extremely good, my Dutch is a big Zero! Here's a link to Robert Cheever's FindaGrave memorial-https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/118998886/robert_lee-cheever He had a brother who was a Colonel in the US Air Force too.   Jumpship--Thank you for the link, I need to keep moving on this mystery! I need to find his service number first.     Steve