...four hat covers, and the hat. The hat is in pretty rough shape. 95% of the plastic frame is gone, but I think I can clean the tops and put his back together so that it's at least displayable.....note the nice CPO emblem....

There's only this one lonely crow, dated 1943.

Just the way we like to find 'em - what treasure awaits......

Just before closing, Vince stopped by to bring us some uniforms a 90-year old gent had been trying to find a good home for. They belonged to Chief Motor Machinist Mate (MMC) Curtis H. Reid, who served as a Seabee with Ship Repair Unit Station 128 (which was the code for Pearl Harbor). He was born in 1913, and had been working as a mechanic at Barksdale Field, Louisiana starting in 1938 until his enlistment in 1943. During World War II, the Seabees were initially formed from skilled civilian construction workers who volunteered, with many receiving higher ranks (Petty Officer) based on experience, hence his entering as a Chief Petty Officer. The Navy targeted carpenters, heavy equipment operators, electricians, and mechanics from civilian life. Due to high demand, volunteer enlistment stopped in December 1942, after which skilled men were drafted or recruited to fill the ranks. After the war he remained in the Navy until 1956, never advancing beyond Chief. He died in 1978.   Mark sends

..and finally, a little help to speak the lingo.....   Mark sends

These will come in useful at some point...spare buttons and closure hooks....

This razor kit looks like it was just made....note the "Property U.S. Army" on the razor head. The piece that looks like a lighter is a holder for razor blades (which are still in it.)..

Next is a large "housewife" with Pearlman's name inside.....

The other part of the World War I artifacts belonged to Simon Pearlman.  Born in 1892, Corporal Simon Pearlman was a Jewish immigrant from London, England. He was working as a mail carrier in Chicago, Illinois when he enlisted in the Regular Army in 1917. He was assigned to the Quartermaster Corps, and saw service in France with Base Spare Parts Depot Unit #2. He died in Florida in 1984. First is a knitted sweater in it's red cross bag....   Mark sends

...and he made research easy....   Mark sends