After four years of searching, I finally found a Senior Parachutist badge marked Balfour Sterling with the 1B hallmark. That completes that set. It just confirms, that stuff is still out there waiting to be discovered.

I’ve always appreciated these.  Have had several over the years, but kept this one as it’s the only aviation one I’ve ever seen.  And I like that someone stuck his photo in it.  

Your shirt is a little puffy on the sides, but honestly in my opinion its doesnt look all that bad.  If it really bothers you, you could have the shirt taken in on the sides to give it more of a V shape. Or, you could try tucking it in real tight, and pulling your trousers up a tad higher. They wore their trousers high in the 40's, unlike today, so although it may feel goofy or weird it would be period correct.    http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t73/dalbey58/3rd photos/30thInfPvtElowitch.jpg

It’s my understanding that the undated unmarked M1840 sabers were early Civil War European contract production, 1861-62. This was done on purpose but I don’t know the reason for it. Many thousands were bought until large volume domestic manufacturing got up and running.  Mine is one of these sabers. mikie

Just had the good fortune of nabbing this WWI Marine certificate. While not in the best condition, not bad for being over 100 years old. Signed by George Barnett who was Commandant of the USMC.    The vet was from Bodega, CA and was listed as MIA on 6/25/18 at the end of the Belleau Wood fighting. He was awarded the Citation Star for the period of 6/6-10/1918 and was also awarded the Croix de Guerre. He served with the 47th Company, 5th Marines, 2nd Division.    Not really my area of interest but the research has been interesting.    Mark

So I’ve got one completely unmarked example (French?German?) import? And a 51 date Cabotville, ie I don’t have one as above 

Being that I was a boatswain mate the pipe caught my attention.

A few more pages out of the book.

When you go to boot camp even today you get a blue jacket manual no different than WW1

Thanks for the amazing reply Phill !