As I have already explained, Kyffhäuser peaked caps continued to be produced after the war for Kyffhäuser veterans—who officially met until around the 1960s—though they were not permitted to wear swastikas and used different, modified caps instead. Furthermore, there is not a shred of evidence that these caps were used by "veterinarians"; that is simply incorrect research! By the 1950s and 60s, no one was bartering caps for food or cigarettes anymore; Germany was experiencing the "Economic Miracle" (Wirtschaftswunder) and the post-war upswing, so there was no need for such exchanges.   Had someone worn the band reversed as a form of political protest against the Third Reich, they would have been arrested and sent to a concentration camp! Moreover, it would make no sense to go to such trouble; the band was elaborately stitched all the way around, and removing it would have damaged the cap. What would be the point, anyway? Even reversed, the swastika remains clearly recognizable as such, while the Kyffhäuser logo—embroidered in black-on-black—is barely visible, making it hard to even notice that it has been attached upside down. What kind of protest would that be if hardly anyone could see it—certainly not a passerby on the street? The fact remains—and the reason behind it no longer matters—that the cap is of questionable authenticity. The fabric is too coarse, suggesting a later reproduction (likely from the 1960s or later); the mandatory labels and the transparent trapezoid patch bearing the Kyffhäuser name and logo are missing; and the specific eagle-and-Iron Cross emblem is absent, with no visible pinholes indicating it was ever attached there. The visor is atypical; the chin strap is missing, and the buttons for it are incorrect—too large and mounted far too high on the band rather than below it, where they should be for the strap to fit properly. All these signs indicate that the cap as a whole is not authentic. It is worth very little and isn't particularly sought-after anyway, given that it is merely a Kyffhäuserbund item.   Regarding the belt, I previously stated that it is evidently genuine and possesses several characteristic features. However, it is a mass-produced item; furthermore, it is unlikely anyone would go out of their way—such as meeting at a trade fair—just to inspect it, especially since it has been denazified and is therefore damaged. Most collectors already own several examples with the swastika intact and wouldn't necessarily want to acquire one in this devalued condition. Items like this can be found at any flea market in Germany, with or without the swastika. If the leather strap bore a stamped unit marking or other official designation (rather than something drawn on with a pen)—which I haven't been able to spot in the photos—then it would be of greater interest to collectors.    

Canine badges, both the types worn by officers and the types worn by dogs, are highly collectible:  

Can someone explain what C&N stands for on this V-42 scabbard.  I know that all of the scabbards have numbers or letters that precede the knife issue number. I read somewhere it had to do with unit assignment?

Dear all, I have been looking for a chest patch for the VF-21 Freelancers Squadron from the 1960s for some time now. On eBay, there are almost exclusively patches from this period, although some sellers claim otherwise. If you come across anything, please let me know.   here's an example   Thanks in advance 

It’s a sling…..if the rifle was in service when the sling was made then they would have used it if needed.  Don’t overthink this.

Oh that is cool! I have a very late probably early 1944 Rock-Ola so this would not be completely wrong for a gun of that vintage, "maybe"?

Hi fellow collectors,   I came across this medal with a bunch of other stuff. A quick search makes me think this is a French made Distinguished Service Medal. It's a solid piece medal and isn't able to turn like the US made ones. Any ideas on this medal and its originality? Also what would its value be? I am looking forward to your input.     Kind regards,   Robert

Hi fellow collectors,   These are totally out of my ballpark. Any opinions on this USMC EGA pin set? Are they real and if so from what period possibly? Do they have a particular value? They seem to be faintly "Sterling" marked on the eagle. Looking forward to your opinions.     Kind regards,   Robert

Good points on the spout guys! I believe they were always tin as well on this style canteen. Paul

I believe this to be an original untouched IKEA jacket, I’d like some reviews please  And I was wondering if anyone has access to records or morning reports to confirm that Harry served with the 29th Infantry Div / Allied Airborne. 36367796 Sgt Harry P Lemmer