It must have been post war.   In Pennsylvania it was common to chrome captured enemy weapons.   Ive never seen a pistol chromed by the Germans or Japanese.

Hi all!   I won this grouping recently and was able to keep most of this vets items but lost out on a couple small items but glad with with I kept together. Cpl Marion V Faure served with “C” Co 323rd IR 81st ID and was a veteran of the Battle of Peleliu and Philippines. He brought home a Japanese Chop/seal and a set of field glasses, plus a fantastic photo album.   

That's all we can do!

Do you know if the veteran had it chromed post war?

I worked with a former army major who acquired authorization for one of his NCOs to wear marine parachutist wings on his army uniform. The NCO served with the marines prior to moving over to the army.

Most definitely NOT Wake Island.   Wrong uniforms and equipment,   For what you see here, can't be Wake.  Marines so equipped walked ashore in 1945 to accept the Japanese surrender in 1945

Hello,   Does anyone recognize this image? I have not been able to find good information about this photograph. It is a picture from  International News Photos, with  stamp, red ink: 11 jun 1944.  Original paper label is missing (I think). Later paper clipping in Spanish added? After having searched the internet I have found just one similar images, only stating   that the image is situated on Wake island. Searching other images  concerning Wake Island did not reveal anything.  The date on the photograph does not concurrent with  the Wake Island  landings.  And this picture is not taken on a European short, beach. (See Spanish comment)  looking at the soldiers, they look like UCMC to me.   Any help will be appreciated. thanks .

I see... But wouldn't it seem rather unnecessary to carry one, when a towel would do the same job? I have never heard of wash cloths being carried, but that is an interesting aspect. In the end, it does not have to be private purchase, but could just be a cvilian wash cloth in OD green, that was used by a civilian...   Jules

I checked the oics again and the name "Russel Smith" is written both inside the jacket (together with USS Valley Forge), the cap AND the ribbon bar. Maxbe it is written on the Army dress greens as well... Maybe the veteran could be looked up with the help of his name and duty station "USS Valley Forge".