. Hi early mb,   This is where I find all this to be down the rabbit hole as you say.     So, the 12-patent bowl really is post-war, but it will function just fine and will bolt on any MB/GPW/CJ2A/M38 block. While other than details the 539S and 698S appear the same, there are undoubtedly a few differences that made the 698S more suitable for civilian use.   You say that the 12 patent carb is post war, but the final twelfth number predates WWII, we were pulling those off wartime jeep wrecks from farmyards, in the 1970's not Jeeps that had continued to be used or reconditioned.    The problem is with all of this is that there is no first party experience, anyone alive working at the factories during WWII are gone, since then it is all supposition, just as my statement that we pulled twelve patent number carbs off wartime Jeeps wrecks then this could be considered supposition.    Anyway I will be rebuilding this eight number carb with the flange on the rear that appears in all the wartime manuals, and it will please fellow enthusiast when they see it's an eight number carb,  but how many will also look on the rear for the flange  as well !!!!!!  🤣     Which reminds me I need to get the 2 studs to mount the carburettor to the inlet manifold, but these seem a bit hard to find... as usual 🤭   What's happened to the two studs that would have been on your manifold when you stripped the Jeep down for rebuild.   !!!!  🤫 Don't tell me the stud-fairy stole them . . . . . .    Norman D. Landing, Forum Normandy Correspondent, 23 May  2O26.   ..        

Picked this up today at a local show. Pre-clean up photos in the car. Evaluation and knowledge appreciated; I believe this to be the first production variant of the Western W-49 ca. 1964-66? It has been field sharpened to include the top front edge. What I notice compared to my 1980s example is how much thinner and less chunky the grips are; it just seems more refined than the later ones. The leather is also thinner. I don’t plan on anything beyond some Pecard’s on the leather and maybe some chrome polish by hand on the blade to see if some of the sharpening scratches will come down a bit. Other than that, I’ll get the verdigris off the guard but leave the patina. I did a little swapping with some trade booty I had so I am into it for about 150. Thrilled to add it to my collection! Observations? 

Any updates on the stolen helmet?

Chaplain Spencer is in the video at the 16:10 mark.

The fact that it’s marked AEF makes me wonder if perhaps it was something which was actually crated up overseas? 

Could 100 Chauchat magazines have possibly been carried in there? 

We've just sat and watched the film and the racing car land speed record sequence was filmed at Pendine Sands, a place you know well Ken. 

I know on Inland rifles there was a transitional period of adjustable rear sights but no bayonet lug, but I’m not sure if the same goes for Rock Ola rifles?

His Award Cards. Thank you, Geoff at Golden Arrow Research.