Yah, that’s what I was thinking, but wasn’t months more common? Can’t think of any time I’ve seen it week by week. I’m thinking something else not time related, maybe individual patrols he’s been on, I have no clue. This can’t go much further till I figure out his unit and all.  

Here is a small diagram, all of them seem solid, and it doesn’t look like they were trying to be crossed out. If they were being crossed out I would imagine (or at least what J would do) is just scribble lines across the rows.

A wartime machete is one of the things on my bucket list. I wouldn’t mind a nice salty one that I could use around my yard. I like the decoration on the scabbard.  It’s nice to see there are a few things left in your little old shoebox.  mikie

Thank you all, just because of what his aunt said doesn’t mean it’s necessarily true, she has mild dementia and is about 85. I’m surprised she tempered the full name. I am super excited about this helmet. I have no idea how I’ll research it though as I don’t have any subscriptions and the best I can usually get on my own is his time of service. Thank you all for the comments and the little nudge from imagination to reality. I will keep looking at the helmet. This being ID’d is slightly mind blowing, I haven’t had a find like this really ever. I’m the meantime though, I will need to figure out the writing in the back. I will write it down on a nice piece of paper as a diagram so everyone can see it clearly.

I plan on creating a display case for items associated with the Engineers and the cutters will be displayed there as well.

I'd check eBay, find a couple and track them. There are a few much nicer (bayonet & scabbard) ASKING 400-600 (OBO) but actual selling price is lower. I don't believe manufacturer matters that much. Yours is showing quite a bit of rust so I would factor that in. If it's light surface rust & dirt it may be worth lightly cleaning it...maybe.

I well know the excitement of an intriguing new find and jumping to conclusions. I’ve had them turn out both ways, right and wrong. I hope any new info bears you out. There is nothing like a fist-pumping “YES!!!” when it all works out. Or the terrible crash to earth when it doesn’t. There is good advice here about being cautious with making assumptions. At the same time, I admire your enthusiasm for the hobby. Good luck!  mikie

I also have the early gauntlets.  Robert      

Thank you, yep the Wife really loves these seats😂😂😂

You can try University Products, but they are expensive since they specialize in archival supplies for museums and other places that conserve/preserve items.   Leigh