I felt so sorry for this poor old hat that I had to bring it home from the antique shop today. It’s sad, isn’t it? How could I resist? After digging around the forum and elsewhere, I’m thinking this is an about 1941 to about 1950 CPO cap. Please correct me if my conclusions are correct or not.  Spock would probably question my logic, but here it goes… I’m guessing it’s a CPO cap due to the black strap. There is a small pin hole in the front center that must be for an insignia. Direct pin-on insignia went away with the 1949 regs. The frame is definitely wicker. The side buttons face the 1941 direction.  Once I know that my infallible reasoning is correct or not, I will see about finding a proper insignia.  Thanks for looking and thanks for any help with this.  mikie

Want to say a big thank you to all who have help support USMF, as we are getting close to our goal! It is really, really appreciated! Any extra we make allows us to do further upgrades and advertising to make the forum better and bring in new members. So appreciate everyone helping us keep USMF online for another year! :)    Happy 4th and 250th!  

These are details of photos from my collection…1910-12 time frame 

Giancarlo was good enough to share that with me some time ago, but thanks to him for posting it here!

In mid-February 1976, while attending cross-country skiing at Fort Wainwright, we were issued wool scarf, and they were defiantly worn when the temperatures were -20 on warm days and -45 on colder days.  I don't know if they were issued after that time.

I have Gabreski’s autograph which is 100 percent authentic. I got it 35 years ago from my former secretary who’s dad flew with Gabby in WW2 and had him sign it for me at a reunion. I’ll post it later for comparison. 

Here is one that recently sold. The differences are very apparent. Ventilation eyelets, lack of gold soutache down the sides and the fabric color. So, what cover is this? Earlier? The later models incorporated the chin strap, and my example lacks any evidence of posts. Experimental or possible quartermaster contract submission that was never adopted? 

Figured yall might like this. Recently picked up a Defense communications agency badge for my father who lost his throughout the many moves. He was probably the last group of marines to get one as he was there in the transfer to it being Defense Information Systems Agency in 1991. He's still salty about them supposed to get the joint chief of staff badge and joint staff commedition medal and then getting screwed out of it lol. 

Finished the restoration after searching for the right people to remake the gold braiding. While it's not exact, it works for the interim. Using real bullion is just not cost effective. I could potentially buy a complete original for the costs alone as the length required for custom orders is about 250 yards. Choosing the gold mylar thread dropped the price but the inability to tarnish leaves it a bit to bright. Either way, heres the finished product.