I'm glad the corduroy uniform was in good enough condition to preserve. It is a fairly rare custom option. Though, corduroy is a common misidentification. The fabric is really bedford cord, which is similar but harder wearing.

I found this information sheet online showing a BA-42

Top right corner: We see names like J. Howard (James Howard, the only AVG pilot to receive the Medal of Honor).    The left side (above the wing): Where names like Duke Hedman (the first "Ace" of the AVG) are found.    The lower part (under the name Bus Keeton): There are names like C. Older (Charles Older, who later became a famous judge in the USA) or P.J. Greene.    Claire L. Chennault: Located at the top center. This is the most important signature, that of the general who created and commanded the Flying Tigers.    Fritz Wolf: Signature located to the left of the tiger. He was an "Ace" of the 3rd Squadron ("Hell's Angels") with several aerial victories to his credit.    C.H. "Bud" Laughlin: Located towards the bottom left. Pilot of the 2nd Squadron, he remained famous for his exploits over Burma and China.    "Pappy" Boyington: We can see a signature that appears to be that of Gregory Boyington at the top right. Although he is best known for the Black Sheep squadron later in the war, he began his combat career with the AVG.    R.T. Smith (Robert T. Smith): Often present on these banners, his signature is generally found near those of the other pilots of the 3rd Squadron

If I had to guess I'd say the ring is possibly from the WWI time period and this type of dark green turquoise looks to me like green Cerrillos turquoise.  Green Cerrillos turquoise comes from the Cerrillos Hills Mining District, located in north-central New Mexico, USA. This prehistoric mining area sits in Santa Fe County, approximately 10 to 20 miles southwest of Santa Fe and north of Albuquerque.  The stamped silver work is indicative of the Navajo Indians.   

It's definitely a cool patch and very well done.  I can't see someone going to this much trouble to hump up a patch that can be easily verified.  It must mean something to someone.  

I made some 1" OD7 Mil-W-530 cotton webbing replacement straps, with the crushed brass ball tips last month for another member.

@268th C.A. Just asking but why should i use blocks of wood? does the metal from casings affect the fabric on the belt?

Thats what I was going for!

M2A2 Aiming Circle has a different elbow/prism optic site vs the "half binocular" construction of the M2. Attachement to the tripod is also different, without that gimbal you see on the bottom of the M2.     M2A2 is what was used to lay in the Company level 81mm and 4.2in/107mm replaced by M120 120mm Battalion level mortars when I got out in 1996

Good luck at the Militaria sale.  Of course those are always fun to go to.  I pray that you'll have a positive outcome with your back surgery and that you'll have a rapid recovery post-op.  Take care and God Bless!  -- Matt