Indeed they did. 2d SSS. Biggs AFB, TX. C-124.

Back in 1985 or so, Ray Cowdery, author of All American Wonder, offered a substantial reward if someone came up with a genuine jeep-in-a-crate … None surfaced to this day, 40 years on..  

I like your collection too!   Looks like good quality stuff and not the typical junk a lot of younger collects buy.  

I found an assault raft one time that was killer but never an actual wwii life raft.  I always wanted one of those gray netted life ring/boats.  The search continues but just when you think you won’t find one, something will pop up 

Thanks for the response Doyler.  It's also hard to get a handle on price, as I have seen them all over the place.  This batch I bought was $100 for ten.  I have seen the WWII version go for $45 each(old listing in 1944 militaria) , that is, if you can find them.  I found one store in NC that has the Vietnam version for 5 but that probably wont last long.  Back in the old days, i remember getting 2 M1 carbine clips and the pouch for like 15-20 bucks, now 150 or more.  

I’ve found my competition has dramatically fallen off in the past two years.  I rarely see anyone buying military at sales or the local flea markets.  It has worked to my benefit and am now getting many more calls from estate sale people to pre buy.  

Anyone ever see one of these?    

Patches with matching color twill are usually associated with the late 1950's into the mid 1960's when merrowing started to kick in. That said like anything else, there are always those few exceptions.    Definitely not a repro.   -Ski

Does anyone reply to these post? There are plenty of lookers but no opinions. One of the big concerns I have with the BB&B badge is the amount of tarnish on the back. Sterling silver isn't supposed to corrode but can tarnish.  I'll give this message one more chance than move on.

This piece is abut 11.5" x 11.5".  GAR markers seem pretty easy to find, and subsequently lower priced.   My family came to AR from TN mid-1800's, so the CSA history starts there.   The "Malvern Chapter" is from South Arkansas.  The UDC could not or would not confirm that they authorized this piece, but i cant imagine many being out there with (sadly) misspelled honorees.    I would love to have an original piece, but one that I can be proud of the craftsmanship.  This one seems authentic, but rough.  Most of the pics i have seen are stunning, crisp, and simple   Several inquires to postings that had reproductions for sale have reported that getting someone to cast them again is very problematic.     I just want to have something honorable, and have no interest in selling it once i get one.  I just know in my heart that it would mean more to me than a swapper.   Thank you, Mr. Bender