I'm going to add another group to this thread.  Here is a wonderful group to LTC John Brubaker.  The photos pretty much tell his story.  LoM is a VERY nice example.    

Just got this Assault Gas Mask Carrier in the mail today, and since I haven’t posted in a while I included a few patches I’ve picked up over the last couple of weeks

Your rifle looks awesome Dave!  Love it and you’ve made me jealous just so you know.  Congrats!

Not a jeep, and it’s not crated, but here is an interesting article about something dug up on an old airfield…https://www.worldmilitariaforum.com/forums/index.php?/topic/323870-buried-stug-iii-found-in-germany-2026/   Mikie

I've been wanting to get into estate sale picking but have trouble finding them. Any recommendations on finding them and getting more and more involved in that scene? Doing great on facebook marketplace and flea markets but estate sales have just eluded me.

One thing that makes me wonder about the first one is the two small pins on the back to keep it from twisting. They have the nail heads, as rule earlier insignia just had a pin hand soldered with out the head. I would not expect to see this on a pre-WWII insignia. Also when you take it apart do the crossed anchors have the center where they cross reenforcing with a circle around the hole? It look like it might be a Warrant Officer's insignia repurposed. As for the second one I can't see enough of the back to tell much other than it looks like it may be cast.  

With all due respect, you're not paying for an authentication service here - this is a community of collectors.   Not saying that you have to (obviously), but if it were me, I might consider a "please" / "thank you" and some patience. Godspeed.   

I was there but I didnt see anyone walking around with a large frame

These are stills taken from a film. The details about this game are fantastic! https://www.usmcmuseum.com/blog/archives/03-2022  

2d SSS moved to Castle AFB, CA 1951. Later to Pinecastle/McCoy AFB, FL.