Can anyone tell me what company makes the best web waist  belt?  It's not for re-enactment but actual daily wear. I see them advertised from $6-8 each to more than $20 but I wonder what the difference actually is.  Any help appeciated. Thanks.     Steve

No matter what type of PH it it, all Im hearing from the experts is that it couldnt have been awarded to the man who was KIA.

Yes, that is a good Aussy made WWII 1st Div.  I would not pay more than 100 for it as you will see several on EBay this year for a comparable price, good luck! - Cubusmc 

Great crests and good to know about Pittsenbaugher.  

woah, killer bag! Hope you can ID the guy.

Thank you Tonomachi! I didn't know if any good recent 'Kissing Skulls' reproductions had entered the market as of late. From what I had seen on the earlier USMF thread about the DE OPPRESSO LIBER insignia, these looked good except mine are very new looking in the plating on the front(red flag) and the few photos that I have seen of the so called originals on the internet are usually a little more dull from the 55+ years of patina. Thank you also for the link on the Pittsenbaugher fake. I never knew. Any comments on the other SF patch on the right in the photos? Thanks again...Alex

You have a very nice 1943 Ithaca.  Even with modified sights it's worth easily $1000+.  I personally wouldn't hesitate to buy it at $1000 and restore it.  

It's weird to think such a generic piece of USGI equipment could become so valuable, especially something from the 60's. Heck even excellent to mint camo poncho liners from the era probably fetch $150+. I'd bet if a Civil War soldier could see what a really nice cartridge box fetches these days, they'd faint.

This is an old thread, but I'd like to issue a warning to anyone who comes across it- old dress boots are almost consistently unwearable, even if they appear to be fine. The leather soles and especially heels grow dry and fragile with time and will crumble when weight is put on them (especially the edges). 

Yes. In 1981, after being in a year,  I received my first ribbon when it was first introduced - the “Welcome to The Army” ribbon.  (Army Service Ribbon).