It’s actually a blue square for 3/5 Marines.     It was a K Company helmet which was passed between PVT Anderson Chester (MCSN: 4617511, enlisted 8/5/18) and CPL Melvin Dale Cashdollar (MCSN: 4605632, enlisted 5/28/18).   As they were in the same company at the same time, my guess would be it was one of their helmets which was autographed by his buddy at war’s end.              

Brought home by an Army Air Force Officer in the 14th Air Force. 

Well, I guess I have grown a taste for the ugly unloved and often overlooked (in my experience) knives made and used during WW2. I thought maybe it would be a good idea to have an ongoing thread featuring examples of what the collector on here have found or seen. As the title implys, I see a distinct difference between the terminology used, theatre made as in a full on construction from scratch and what some could call ''beautification''. Be this a repair of rotten handles, snapped tangs and pommels or just the work of someone in service with a bit of skill and time on their hands.    This might be a chance to add context to the knives encountered and that sit in our collections. Who it belonged to and the users area of service would be important. Whilst it maybe a long shot in the dark, maybe we could find patterns forming. It would be interesting to compile any patterns and details of knives that we find, for example materials used, styles, level of work and so forth.  If you have a knife that you want to share, then I encourage you to voice your observations and explain how you came to your conclusion. Maybe we could separate the post WW2 modifications of WW2 produced knives whilst identifying any key features and commonalities if that makes sense.    Basically in a nutshell, a living depository that everyone can contribute to but most importantly, have fun sharing the knowledge.  Ill do a write up with some of the pieces in my collection so far once I get a bit of down time. 

Wow Brig I never knew that. Thanks for sharing. Very helpful. Kevin

P1930s   See the image to tell the slight differences between the P20 and P30  

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.