Done so that the buttons don't show through when ironed. Same as sewing the pockets shut.   

That's an unusual modification. I've never seen the trouser pocket used on a top before. 

Did you end up buying any? If so, can you post some pictures?

The Zippo appears to be authentic, with decent engraving, but frankly I am “on the fence” about this being a non-fake for several reasons:   1. “III CALC” would seem to be for some advisory unit in III Corps. But I cannot determine what that abbreviation stands for. It MAY be for the 3rd Area Logistical Command, but we need a better connection.   2. In 1963 we had relatively few advisors in-country, an estimated 16,000.   3. I’m unsure whether the whole in-country Zippo lighter engraving business had even started up by 1964.   4. Yes, the black paint in the letters is troubling.   5. The name and service number could have been “plucked” from the Internet. Or not. We need more information.   Summary: My opinion is that it is unknown, absent more information, whether this is the “real deal.” If we could somehow tie the Area Logistical Command to this Captain, then that would really help.

One thing you can count on with this Forum is aznation!

Whether it be yard sale/garage sale/estate sale or online listings (craigslist, liveauctioneries, local auction houses etc., or from where ever... The point I was trying to make, and thank you all for contributing by the way, .... IF you see and add for a sale with a good nugget pictured, maybe NOT featured... post the picture and add the comment or something to the effect of... I Spy.... 

Good morning. What do you think of this lighter? The black paint on the engraving makes me wonder.

I believe and hope this is your guy.  The ring represents the 3rd Engineers Champions of the Hawaiian Division and the dome looking item atop the ring represents a basketball because they were basketball champions in 1937.  The initials on the ring are for Richard Charles Merkle as you'll see more information about him below.                                                       You can download and save the Adobe .pdf files to your computer and/or print them as you wish.  Thanks...Matt                 Ancestry - Richard Charles Merkle .pdf WWII Morning Reports - Richard C Merkle.pdf WWII Pennsylvania Compensation - Richard C Merkle.pdf

. Everyone has a Jeep, perhaps I should be looking for something else     Norman D. Landing, Forum Normandy Correspondent, 20 April  2O26.   ..

If you share your Great Uncle’s full name and date of birth (service number too if you have it), there are folks on here who may be able to find information on his servce.