Hello Doyler, following your insightful comment, I requested photos of the rim.   I should receive them this afternoon; I hope they will be clear.   I will share them with the forum community to get a more precise opinion on this fuzzy thread at the rim. This will clear up any doubts if it is indeed present and ensure I haven't made a mistake in my purchase.   Thank you for your interest in my search. 👍   Best regards, Jo

Was it a 14k Rock Island example like this one and named? 

Manky Bandage was right. The wood is PADOUK...  

Thanks a lot for your comments, I'm very happy to have this knife with this US helmet. I think that the wood of the handle is "cocobolo". I'll ask to Daniel (the maker) to be sure. Dominique

Hello, yes, I noticed the fuzzy blue on the rim, which is why I showed this example to the forum members.   Is it due to wear and tear? I think so, but I'm not sure.   I'll check as soon as I receive it. If it's not as described, I have the right to return it.   Thank you for your interest in my search.   Sincerely, Jo

Various reasons for the rear or side pockets top be removed. Many were just for the Marines personal preference. Also, in the late 50s not uncommon to see the older HBT uniforms still worn both the P44, P41 and P47. Often the lower pockets on the P41 and P47 shirts were removed to facilitae tucking the shirts into the dungarees to conform with the new regulations and also more in line with the P58 shirts. With HBTs they had a wear put period and if sound the patterns could be worn and used. I have seen the P44 trousers with butt pockets removed that were post war used and simple answer could be they did so just to be more in line with the other trousers as well as for comfort/ 

Im not a fan of the posted diamond.  I would want to have it in hand but not a fan of the blue material to the edge. War times ones I have had and own have an olive drab base material edge exposed or a tan that doesn't glow. The back looks off to me and this said I would want to see if the edge glows when hit with a black light  

CR stands for Contract Reserve, a pre WW1 short lived insignia