Well for starters what do you have already. The essentials I would say are Grunt Gear by Tolkoff, Pradiers Marine corps uniforms and equipment 1941-1945, and Harlan Glenn’s 782 gear. Those are the absolute essentials in my opinion and a must have for any USMC collector. A great overview and in depth resource for anything the marines had. Now if your interested in specific units or would suggest getting a roster book for whatever division your interested  in, you can find these on Amazon. And period unit histories are also a great resource though a little scarce at times. 

Thanks for sharing thorin6, nice collection of MC1 you have.   Now I’ll have to go through my bins to see if I have a Colonial Knife MC1. 

Overlocked edge and “tail” = circa 1980s

You seem to be missing one of the MC1 knives.  

Cerick,   While I may be a "new member" here, I have been a long-time reader.  These guys know way more than I do.  Iron bender, great info.  While not a "3 bander" this Ole Gal came out of an attic near here a couple of years ago.  While I stopped collecting years ago, I couldn't leave her behind.  Ohio marked 1854 Lorenz.  Thought you might enjoy seeing it.     OD    

AGAIN,, THANKS FOR YOUR KNOWLEDGE! I FEEL BAD, IT HAS BEEN BID UP KIND OF HIGH $1150.OO RIGHT NOW. 

I must be sheltered; it took me a while to realize the issue with searching " inflatable mannequin" !!!  And NO, I didn't try it!!   Lance

I'm trying to learn about this patch. I think it's US made, WW II era, but there doesn't seem to be nearly as much info out there as I found for my 101st Abn patch. Any help with date & origin would be appreciated. 

Looks like some kind of drapery tassel perhaps.  Doesn't look like a sword knot from any countries I'm aware of (which is not all of them I'm sure).   Lance        

Good evening everyone, I have been collecting USMC uniforms and helmets for a couple years now and am looking to expand my knowledge base. What are some good reference books for USMC collecting? Although I am primarily focused on uniforms (alphas and blues) and helmets, I still would like to learn more about gear, equipment, uniforms, helmets, decorations, etc. I have also read a lot of books on various campaigns and units and would love recommendations for more detailed orders of battle and histories/reference books.    Thanks!