Two images posted in new topic, WWII USN Cooks and Stewards Uniforms.   Image by: Wolfhound63   Image by: mysteriousoozlefinch

1955 A soldier takes a moment to pet a deer during a military exercise in West Germany as a smiling farmer looks on

Very nice helmet there. Thank you very much for the info. I have been looking for the hexegon one that you have. Very hard to find. These helmets are very kool to collect. Something different. 

I think the majority of the control boxes were made by Sonetronics. You have the early version of these helmets, so I would expect the mic seen in the picture, but they used whatever was available…..

I agree with SKIP, over time I've seen the metal throats of the M8/M8A1's painted black, green, or a silver metal finish.  Of the three I've seen evidence of rust underneath the paint most often with the black color.   I don't know the official process if one exists , but I wonder if this doesn't happen more often in guard or reserve units (??).

hello, Great collection! I also sometimes collect 8th AF patches.  I have noticed prices seem to have gone up on these, so I have not been actively chasing these anymore.  I do not want to hijack your thread, but I thought I would add my examples.  Mine are in a display case and difficult to pull out so I just took 'in situ' pics.   Note the unfinished US made patch, bottom of the three in first pic.  I think this is an interesting example as it shows has the different colored thread are guided in.   The 'printed' type patch is not very common in pic 2.  I assess these may have been the first issue and been found 'wanting' and was quickly switched to the stitched on wool pattern.  I have never seen one of these printed patches on a uniform.  And of course, who does not like a bullion thread patch like in pic 3.  Cheers!

On the question of grays, this isn't a photo, but I do have this 1944 dated Commissary or Steward 1st Class rating.  

Use an enamel, vs lacquer.  Semigloss.

Spelling corrected.

Hello, Given the context of other Civil War relics in the area, I would suggest it is a period camel bell.  I have never seen a dug one which is a very nice find.  I would suggest submitting a photo to the North South Trader as a 'recent find' submission.  It is worthy of publication in my humble opinion.  Just google it and you will find their contact data and website.  Congrats!  Definitely keep us posted as to what else you find.  Cheers!