. Knitters in search of the right colour.   The ladies knitting the straps for holding on the shovel and axe wanted to know what colour wool to use, I sent them photos of the straps in situ on my Jeep,  however I explained that over the years mine had faded with sun and rain, they asked what did they start out as.  So I said I would get an unopened set of straps out my spares, photograph and send them.  I explained that colours are like a bucket of slimy frogs, and if I learnt anything over the years uniform is anything but uniform.  Note the colour variation in these two straps that came out the same box, the metalwork is unpainted and coated in cosmoline dip.                Norman D. Landing, Forum Normandy Correspondent, 26 May  2O26.   ..  

I am clearing out an estate and the owner collected many many knives.  I have been reviewing all the previous posts on how to spot a replica and believe this to be a fake.  However, I am not at all an expert and would like to see what you all think as a check.     Thanks!

. Hi earlymb,   Dutch was a very difficult language for me.   However I have travelled the world using English and when appropriate German " Ich liebe dich, mein Liebschein ', always got me where I wanted to go. !!!!   Norman D. Landing, Forum Normandy Correspondent, 26 May  2O26.   ..

Well, to me they look real and like every other pair I have seen or worn.

Like this?

I think France did not do itself a service with that policy, even though I can understand the sentiment somewhat it's obvious that in international relations a shared/common language is a great asset and since the end of WW2 it has been obvious that language would be English.   Here in The Netherlands many generations, including my own, grew- and grow up with British and American shows and movies on TV in the original language with Dutch subtitles, children start learning English at school from a pretty young age and don't even get me started about social media... The result being that most people here have a decent knowledge of English and at least can understand and make themselves understood at a basic level.   The downside is that apart from being able to speak another language, that other language gets integrated into the national language more and more; mainly slang and cuss words.    

. Hi Flibble,   Yes you are right about markings in English, I have never ever seen anything made in Cuba before.  The English language does appear to have become an International language, in the time I have lived in France more and more words, sentences and even full conversations are becoming more evident here.  There used to be a government department in France to prevent English or even Americanisms taking over.  At one time radio station were only allowed to play a low percentage of English or American tunes, I listen now to ' Oui FM Rock ' it's virtually wall to wall British and American rock songs. Even adverts on television tend to use 60's and 70's rock music or tunes.    Norman D. Landing, Forum Normandy Correspondent, 26 May  2O26.   ..

Hi everyone, I’m a new member from Italy! I found this pair of M51 pants online in “deadstock” condition (which seems suspicious), and there are several details that don’t sit right with me. For starters, the manufacturer is listed as “Mysie Sportswear Inc.”—a company I couldn’t find any information about online. The stitching looks cheap, and while the zipper might be period-appropriate, it looks brand new. Finally, the lettering on the inside is too crisp—there’s no ink smudging or yellowing. If you’d like to share your thoughts, I’d really appreciate it.   Thanks, Niccolò

Good day everyone!   I have a question and hope someone can help me. I own a tanker jacket and would like to know whether it is an original or a replica. If it is a replica, I’d also like to know which brand it might be from. There is only one readable label; apart from that, there are no other labels present, not even inside the pockets.   Thanks in advance!

My name is Melia Fielding Krudwig. Teddy Fielding was my grandfather and my personal hero! He was the person I looked up to in my life when I didn’t always have the greatest examples, he inspired me with his honor, tenacity, integrity, and strength. I know he is an inspiration to his great grandkids as well  in his legacy. I would be eternally grateful for any of his clothing found, etc. or fatigues it would mean the world to me and our family. Thank you! I of course would pay for any costs of what you see fit generously as well as shipping, etc. Thank you!