Hey guys, l'd like to know if anyone else has seen or can provide any information on this fire starter used prior to and during the Vietnam War years? This is a STARTER, FIRE, M1 and  appears to be the father to the more common and smaller sized M2 fire starters. I've never seen another one like this, but that's just me. Does anyone have any info? Thanks, Scott

Sweet grouping. Chances are he had to turn in his original helmet and later picked up another one at an Army Navy Store and did it up like how he did, whether he went during an exercise or during Desert Storm. Looks awesome either way, just need to put together the webbing.

Unfortunately I haven’t found out how he received the SSM.. I obtained his records from the archives, and there were only four documents available, everything else was destroyed in the fire in 1973.. 

I’ve been meaning to post this for a while, as I picked it up in an antique store for 50 cents. I know next to nothing about patches, as I usually stick to field gear. However, this patch caught my eye because it appeared possibly theater made and it was a USMC patch which is unusual. Can anyone tell me if it’s authentic? Thanks, Wade

Hi, would anyone out there be able to give me any info as to whether these are WWII patches ?  I've had them in my collection for years but never been able to work out if they are WWII

The most I’ve been able to get for one of these is $10 though there are some who’ve claimed to get $20.

I appreciate the information.  Thanks.

A very fine acquisition.

I have a full embroidered one - German Made of course. 

Hey guys, I’m new to the site and having a blast exploring.  Although (REALLY) late to this discussion this caught my attention! It appears everyone has made some very insightful observations and comments and I have to say I pretty much agree with everyone so far as any of the possible uses seem plausible. Someone spent a good bit of time constructing this kit. Personally, I don’t think it was assembled in a combat zone but could have been put together by an individual, crew or unit serving in an inhospitable area. It definitely would need  some tweaking of contents. I think we’ve all seen other issue kits like the A-13 aerial delivered, even the A-16 Sled but something like the old ML–3 and the Air Force's SKRAM rucksack really make more sense. I just think something like this would be in a better more user friendly, container. In any case it is definitely cool and that 1911 A1 is an awesome find. Oh, I did come across a survival chest some years back (empty) but to me it appeared to be from possibly a life boat.    Cheers