Hello all!  I am seeking assistance in trying to identify the specific battalion or company of this 5th Marine Regiment helmet and its owner.  The helmet is a British MkI made by Miris Steel Company Ltd. of London (MLS), size 5, with a 6 7/8 size liner.    First, I cannot discern if the square is black or purple – black being the HQ Battalion, 5th Marines and purple being the 8th Machine Gun Company, 5th Marines.  I understand that Marines often had to mix and make their own non-primary color paint such as purple and therefore there is often a lot of variation.  In some light it looks black and in other light it looks dark purple – so I’ve taken photos using different light and filters.     Second, the interior rim is period marked with the hand-carved, printed name “A. CHESTER” and also marked in period black ink a name in cursive that appears to be “Cashdollar” or “Cashner” or something of the likes.  I’ve taken photos using different light and filters to try to make the names clearer.  However, I was unable to find either name in the 5th Marine Regiment roster as listed in Michael Eggleston’s book “The 5th Marine Regiment Devil Dogs in World War I: A History and Roster”.  There might be other regimental rosters, but this is the only one I have ready access to.    Any opinions, help, or leads would be most appreciated.  Thank you!   -Preston

I'm not sure on four of them if there issue or not. One has the tag washed out, two have there tags ripped out and the other I'm not sure. I've noticed that the main differences is some have a brim that is shaped more flat. While one has a brim that is more curved. And then the plastic brims which seem to be slightly different. 

You “nailed it”, AlexeiK. It is better than most fakes, but still a fake. Beyond the wobbly paint-filled letters (granted, neater than most fakes, but …). I think the main indicator is the saying. No grunt would want that on his lighter … you’re just tempting fate.

That would be interesting to read. I would appreciate that.

W.H.L. Wallace was the son-in-law of T, Lyle Dickey both of Ottawa, Ill.  I can share an e-mail of a Ottawa CW historian. Illinigander

What do you think about this one? The case is a genuine Zippo case of 1966. I suppose it's a fake, but it is crafted much better than typical 'Vietnam' fakes.

Wonderful job az, 

I am searching for pictures and militaria pertaining to my gg-grandfather, Guyan Irvin Davis. Yes, something of his appeared on this site 4 years ago, but I doubt that it is still easily located.    He served in Co. A of the 11th Illinois Infantry during both the initial 3 month and a 3 year enlistment. He was 1st lieutenant in rank and regimental quartermaster. He also served as aide de camp to Col. William H. L. Wallace from February 1862 until Col. Wallace died after the battle of Shiloh (April 10, 1862). After returning to his post as regimental quartermaster for the 11th Illinois he was temporarily assigned as quartermaster to the 4th Ill. Cavalry under Col. T. Lyle Dickey. from November 28, 1862 until Col. Dickey resigned in April, 1863. He was then assigned aid-de-camp to Gen. T. E. G. Ransom and served in that capacity until he mustered out July 29, 1864. He was on the roll of Co. A, 11th Il Infantry for the duration of his service.   Why did I provide the details? I hope that he appears in images from  any of those times he served in special capacity. Thank you for taking the time to read and consider this.

Thanks for this aerialbridge, sorry to hear

Fantastic, you have a very nice display.     Scott