IIRC, this example was made by Rex Products. They went from an enameled purple center to a purple painted on copper insert before transitioning to the plastic heart inserts that we see today. This example is painted on copper.   Allan

And Lt. Steve Brannen’s (Navy) has graffiti

Wow! "House of Swords" was infamous back in the day for questionable and outright fantasy pieces. It looks like the eBay store seller picked an appropriate name!    Allan

Very interesting! I have to check out that book for myself, sounds like a great read!

I picked this up last week. I’m not even a Navy guy!

Thanks for the reply! You bring up a good point about hot weather caps, boonie hats, and berets. Soldiers and marines who would've displayed their helmet graffiti openly out in the field wouldn't have worn their helmets when resting in the rear, where they could get reprimanded for not adhering to regulations.   I too figured officers would've refrained from graffitiing their helmets, but apparently there were some who did graffiti their helmets. Lt. Richard Holt's helmet is a great example of a graffitiied officer's helmet.

Thanks very much for the information. I can’t find that other topic. Gonna have to dig a little deeper. Thanks again.

Bill,   I appreciate your feedback and expertise on this subject..   Best regards   Leigh 

No one probably reported the items. They are so poorly made. The diamonds in the paratrooper badge lol

They have also gotten away with selling numerous Nazi items with offending symbols clearly visible.