I've had an "old" copy of Brophy's 1903 Springfield book for so long i can't remember when or where I got it, or even what I paid for it! It's a working book for me that is well traveled to many shows and auctions and shows lots of wear and a somewhat abused cover. I have to say though, it's paid for itself many times over and saved my butt a few times too.  Some people nowadays buy books in hopes they will go way up in price to sell in the collector  book market.  I plan to keep all my favorite books forever, or at least as long as I can still see them!  An old saying I took to heart long ago---If you think a book is expensive now, wait 'till it goes out of print!  Grit your teeth, drag out your wallet and buy the real thing! And promise yourself never to sell it!  Good huntin'.   Steve

Wow. That's frightening for myself. I wouldn't have bought this patch for that much money but I would have been fooled if it were cheaper. That's exactly the reason why I take caution on bullions. To much fakes out there.

And to you, too, Yokota57!

Aye,   Cold War/Vietnam era, also used by USN Shore Patrol & shipboard watchstanders (messenger of the watch)      

Jeep with the 48th Armored Medical Battalion, US 2nd Armored Division, stop at a sign thanking them in Le Molay-Littry Normandy - July 4, 1944 LIFE Magazine Archives - Frank Scherschel Photographer WWP-PD    

Nice hat, but I think the punched snowflake vent makes this a model 1885. The 1883 had small brass screen vents. 

GI with the 2nd Infantry Division points at a sign put up by a French couple thanking the liberators in Normandy - July 4, 1944 This picture was possibly taken in Trévières LIFE Magazine Archives - Frank Scherschel Photographer WWP-PD    

I grabbed this for $15 today at a flea market. I am next to positive it’s a Vietnam era piece. But I did see some labeled online as m1944 that look just like this. So I wanted to make sure my guess on the date is correct as I only collect WWII. If it’s post war I may try to sell it and put the funds towards a wwii example. I don’t have any in my collection.

I bought a lot of items from Donna Wosk years ago and I met her at the ASMIC show in San Diago, CA.  She's an honest person to deal with and has great original stuff.

Details of the 1883 campaign hat.  "R. Rogers Co. D"  is written on the inside.