Apparently I was further with 'Fordifying' than I realized. I already told I have a GPW steering box & column as a spare; today I took the steering box that's on the jeep off and cleaned the outside as it was caked in mud and old grease (never took it off before) and lo & behold look what I found:       The steering column is fixed to the box with these 3 bolts; they have a different script than the usual style:         The steering tube over the column was fitted with a clamp with an 'AA'-marked bolt so that is Willys, and the tube itself could very well be the original one to  my jeep.   I also started to strip some parts from the engine and to clean the block.       The cross-over tube is an original F marked one and will be replaced by a 1st type, the oil filler pipe & dipstick will also be replaced with the 1st push-pull type, the CJ-model oil filter bracket I have now will be replaced by the correct type but unfortunately I will have to keep using the CJ oil filter housing for now as I haven't found an original Purolator or (preferably) Fram housing yet.   The block has to be cleaned very thoroughly to get rid of all the oil and grease residue, or the fresh paint will fall off again in 6 months. For this I use de-greaser, a wire wheel, a plumbers' torch and acetone (not at the same time 🤣 ).

From the web site: Military Medals,  NO DISTINCTION in degree is made when the award is given to U.S. personnel, though the Legion of Merit is typically presented only to senior command or staff, with occasional exceptions. SO there should be NO "gold miniature of decoration and horizontal gold bar"    

Your belt is100% correct with the buckle. I have a few and some times the belt has been swapped out.

Hello,  does anyone know what year the all black metal insignia first came into use.    (rank, service, cib, pilot, etc... )      Thanks.   Sammy T

What are your thoughts on this wing? I have seen a similar one like this on the forum but I can't find it again.

Very impressive grouping, congrats. 

That’s a nice collection. Thanks for sharing.

Still hoping someone with some genealogical skills can help us identify this marine. Here are a couple of shots of the inside of the blouse.    Scott

A smallish collection of collar insignia that I recently found in my friends estate.  I'm guessing that the one with gold wreath is a cap badge.  It's similar to the 1902 enlisted branch devices but I'm not 100% sure if this is an authorized or unauthorized insignia.

That is quite a nice haul! Congrats!  mikie