I have no proof, but I think John is correct.  More than likely a prototype or trial piece made by NS Meyers--maybe for a civilian type purchase or airline or private pilot.  As a company selling items, one would expect some level of merchandising to sell more product. Maybe there is some data from Heath about these in his archives.   P

Steampunk!  That is the best word for these things.  Allan is 100% on target!

My father had a steel ring from his WWII service that was engraved with his initials. He had quit wearing it by the time I came along so as a preteen I grinded his initials off and put mine on with an engraver. He had told a story about the crash of a C46 transport at Sedalia Army Air Field where he was stationed. He had said that he picked up a ball bearing from that plane and before he passed away he revealed that the steel ball bearing was made into a ring at the base machine shop. I’m just wondering if anyone else has anything with a similar story.  

Outstanding!

Good evening Frank,   Thank you for your answer. I do enjoy them too ;)  I was looking in The US tanker helmet book, and saw there was 2 patents from Rawlings (1941 and 1942), one of them had the digit 6, probably the other and the lastest  had the digit 8 : see in the right top corner of the drawing   Coulndt take a more clear picture but in real life it does look like a 6 :   130 678     Cheers   Erwan

Now to track down a PAC and American Campaign version.

Very cool "Tough (H)Ombres" necklace. I have a 90th Ike jacket named to a Silver Star and Purple Heart recipient.

Thanks Jim!

Trying to figure out what canteen's the marines used during the Mexican-American war, 1846-47.  Did they use an army version or did they have their own? Also interested to know if the navy used a canteen for their shore parties. Thanks for any insight you might have.   Scott

Hello Doyler. Thank you for the advice. Another disaster averted! Kimd regards, Malcolm.