Got a new carrier and a shovel cover. Now I've got to find the shovel. 

It’s real, early occupation era. 

I am new to the bullion patch side of collecting and I need some help to determine if the 106th patch shown is WW2 / post war occupation period, or a put together patch?  The bullion looks aged but the wool backing looks fresh.  Unfortunately I am unable to see the back of the patch since it’s still attached to a piece of what looks to be wool shirt material.  Any help would be much appreciated.     

Like the collar disk of my great grandfather, I think AI is going to produce a lot of head scratchers for us

I don’t think the VC or NVA used the embroidery techniques that are used on this flag nor did they use western numbers.   Back when these flags came out there was little information to be had, I had to buy one to find out about it. 

Rest in Peace Larry.

I will miss you, Friend!

I have made some photographs of construction details of various North-Vietnamese flags that are on display at the 'Ho Chi Minh and Military Zone 5 Museum' in Da Nang last December. I have no reason to believe these are fake, but who knows? Anyway, maybe they are of assistance.                 This was actually a pretty decent museum with a good selection of items on display, although the story told is VERY one-sided. It is located on an active military installation but has an outdoor display area as well. When I was visiting I had the whole place to myself, no other visitors. I would recommend a visit if you're ever in that area.   I did see a few flags of the type the OP posted at the Dan Sinh Market in HCMC (Saigon) and I steered clear of them. I did get some good VC/NVA field gear there though 🙂    

Good catch, EE87! Eleven years ago and you still remembered it. Dang, that’s impressive … I can hardly remember what I had for dinner a few hours ago!

Is the engraving officially or privately done