Overlocked edge and “tail” = circa 1980s

You seem to be missing one of the MC1 knives.  

Cerick,   While I may be a "new member" here, I have been a long-time reader.  These guys know way more than I do.  Iron bender, great info.  While not a "3 bander" this Ole Gal came out of an attic near here a couple of years ago.  While I stopped collecting years ago, I couldn't leave her behind.  Ohio marked 1854 Lorenz.  Thought you might enjoy seeing it.     OD    

AGAIN,, THANKS FOR YOUR KNOWLEDGE! I FEEL BAD, IT HAS BEEN BID UP KIND OF HIGH $1150.OO RIGHT NOW. 

I must be sheltered; it took me a while to realize the issue with searching " inflatable mannequin" !!!  And NO, I didn't try it!!   Lance

I'm trying to learn about this patch. I think it's US made, WW II era, but there doesn't seem to be nearly as much info out there as I found for my 101st Abn patch. Any help with date & origin would be appreciated. 

Looks like some kind of drapery tassel perhaps.  Doesn't look like a sword knot from any countries I'm aware of (which is not all of them I'm sure).   Lance        

Good evening everyone, I have been collecting USMC uniforms and helmets for a couple years now and am looking to expand my knowledge base. What are some good reference books for USMC collecting? Although I am primarily focused on uniforms (alphas and blues) and helmets, I still would like to learn more about gear, equipment, uniforms, helmets, decorations, etc. I have also read a lot of books on various campaigns and units and would love recommendations for more detailed orders of battle and histories/reference books.    Thanks!

I looked at information in the book "Civil War Cartridge boxes of the Union Infantryman".  by paul Johnson. and he says the following.: Box Plate --3.5" x 2.2" with the eyes on the reverse at 2.5 inches apart.  That matches nearly right on.  The eye separation is at 2.5 inches on the rear. Belt plate- Circular 2.5 " with the eyes at 2" apart.  Again that looks fairly good, with the eye separation dead on... Interesting.  I love this investigation work.  No matter whatthis is,, I learn about an area I am not familar with. Thank you all for the help. 

opps make  mistake in posting