Cool. Not throwing stones. The only "provenance" I can think of is garments containing cutter tags. If they are still on the garment, it was most certainly not issue-worn or worn out that way. Not sure if I've seen VN era garments with those but it was common in WWII. Pic indeed can be deceiving. The jacket appears a bit faded to me but it may be the lighting. If actually unworn I assume it hasn't been handled so much that the wrinkles at the drawstring show fading. Again, like the snaps, maybe it's just the lighting. Few of us have handled an actual NOS jacket like this(not that it is uber rare). They are quite dark and a bit stiff when new and fade to a happy point pretty quickly. Is that a pic of the hood?  You could make some comparisons with the hood, under the pocket flaps, etc. Those will often show the overall wear but if laundered even once those areas fade as well.  When I return from the gym, I'll post some pics of an M-51 and an M-43 and we can compare notes. I'm not trying to knock down - this is what the hobby is often about and is fun and educational for all if we have an open mind. Dave

When I was a kid they were called Converse All Stars. The “Chuck Taylor” moniker has been added with the rebirth of the brand. 

Two decades separate these three books… 1984-1994-2004    

I appreciate all the new likes, thank you.        

Then I suggest again, why do you ask us? I would suggest you send this article to your friend. There were many things done by individuals in all historic conflicts. One Seal went barefoot on missions. Would your friend want to "impression" that? It would certainly be the cheapest option. As Spike said, stick to the basics. When impersonators attempt all the "tricks" they often look silly and attention seeking.

I still need to join this club 🫣    

. Thanks everyone,    The book is now 33 years old and published in the days before it was possible to print in full colour.  If only I had seen these comments last week while searching through a bunch of screen grabs.  I was mildly amused as the one screen grab I had captured showed a ' first edition seller ' about twenty years ago advertising the book at $1.184.  When I find the screen grab again I will post it here.      Norman D. Landing, Forum Normandy Correspondent, 16 April  2O26.   ..

They are in nice shape, I've paid anywhere between $75 and 150 @ for all of these examples. #1 and 4 are scarcer.   Keith

Hi Dave,   Yes i understand that, but can any of them actually be verified to be just that? I can't for the life of me see this as being issued, barely worn possibly, although i very much doubt it, but where do you get provenance from when it comes to something like this? Can any be proven? Condition should carry a lot of weight. I'll never know, more likely it's just been stored somewhere for 38 Years (moved about maybe) or so before it came to me. It's definatly not laundered and color is like new, I don't know how hard you'd have to look to find better and the images don't do it justice. I noticed 2 on ebay stating dead stock, NOS with rips and wanting big dollars, but you can ask what you want, it's what it sells for that matters.   My primary objective was to see if i could find out anymore info on the jacket. I understand that there are collectors for these and someone who would no doubt appreciate it more than i might having it on display but having a piece of History like this, i'm more than happy to keep. The dollars would be gone on but the Jacket will live on.   Cheers    

Appreciate this info. I already have several pair of glider wings, is this pair of ear rings worth the $90 they are asking?