Is there a distinctive difference in weight when it comes to cast vs die struck like die struck weighs more then casting.

To toss in my two cents. With these Gaunt wings, you have to decide for yourself.  There will always be some controversy, and no one will ever be able to provide you with a consensus opinion.   I see some things I like and some I don't. But it's hard to know for sure without it in hand.  If the price isn't crazy, and I could get a return agreement, I would probably take a chance. That said, if it is going to live in your collection, you have to decide.   There are ways to tell if it is a casting by comparing its length to a good one--assuming you have access to good one.  

Many thanks for the info.

"Colonial" was one of several trademarks used by Meyer to denote a price/quality level.  Others used were Challenger, Defender, Frontier, Spartan, and Conqueror, which was the fanciest/most expensive.  Colonial was on the lower end of their price/quality spectrum.   The earliest Meyer Colonial inscribed with a date I've seen was dated 1946; the latest was dated 1971.

Trust me this has much less to do with AI and more to do with expedience and a lack of concern for their own reputations.  Sometimes being lazy costs you so much more, on both ends of transactions.

The legendary Ace Cozzolio used one in Vietnam, once to capture an enemy prisoner in a canal, and another time to, reportedly, storm a bunker.    

“Modern fantasy “  - shirt and patch 

If I look closely, According to me, a nice type 2 with a matching tab (101st AB). And a nice classic 17th AB.

Based on his actual verifiable jump and combat history I would say even higher. I would prefer it like this without some-one restoring the ribbons and parachutist wings. An Ided and confirmed WW2 Airborne Ike Jacket is super tough to find anymore, especially un-messed with. I would put $1000 BIN on ebay and take offers. Airborne has always had a following and it seem that the desirability with European collectors has even gotten higher. Nice Jacket.

It would be a guy like this: