This time I did research on the Airborne patch 

I got a couple of Airborne lighters. They are in rough shape. However,  I was able to get both lighters for $80. I felt this was more reasonably priced than some of the junk that is being sold as authentic. Thank you yokota57 for the helpful information. 

Thank you, so much for offering. I’ve been in touch with several sources who said that the files from the WWII era were destroyed.   Is there a way to send you this information directly via email? If not, I’ll send it here. I’m a little cautious about putting information like this on a  website. 

I have a repro set of these waiting to go on, original would decay pretty fast I think.    

A couple of things to add. When I've used Tung Oil, I first strip the wood of any finish or previous surface applications. When disposing of rags with the oil on them, I put them in a zip lock bag, add some water, seal the bag, and dispose of it.  You need to be careful.

R.I.P.

Hey everyone,   I’ve been lurking around the forum for a while using it for research, and figured it was finally time to sign up and say hello. I’m based out of Massachusetts, and my main focus is military genealogy—specifically doing deep dives to reconstruct the service history of my family members. Because of that, my research and collecting interests are a bit all over the place: WWI: General ancestral service and gear. WWII: U.S. Army infantry in Europe, and USMC operations in the Pacific. Vietnam: U.S. Navy unit histories and cruise books. When I’m not digging through NARA records or archival files, I’m usually down in the workshop working on building custom shadow boxes to display family items.   Glad to finally be on board. Looking forward to picking your brains and checking out everyone's collections!   Cheers, Dale

Raw linseed oil was the early Field Manuals.  Later specs seem to vary a bit. FM23-5 (1940)   Change 2   p.88 1951 Whatever doesn't soak in was to be removed.  It's was not supposed to dry on the surface.   Its supposed to soak in. An oil left on the surface can create a tacky sticky mess - especially boiled linseed oil. In some places it has been stated the fresh raw linseed oil will help lift dirt and soiling off.   However I think the main reason was the goal was to have matte finish, and as mentioned the raw linseed oil soaks in deepest.   Boiled linseed oil, Tung oil and similar can be used to build up a finish - like a varnish.  If there is a finish coat on the surface of the stock, whether it has been built up with drying oils, or applied as a varnish or similar, nothing is going to soak in.     Some people are super adamant about which one to use.  But I think as long as you understand what the differences are, and take into consideration what has already been done to the wood, you can make an edumacated choice. I think what Sarge is trying to say here is that we don't want a sticky film on the surface.  That's from PM Monthly if you didn't recognize it.

I didn't see the hallmark and sterling stamp on these with my naked eye. Seller had to point it out to me. They look parkerized.  Any idea on why this finish and era of the wings? I'm guessing their from late 50's to 70s.  Thanks Ken 

welcome!