Thank You KurtA for your help !!!  I figured it was a paki patch and surly not a issue or authorized one .    Dave

Well, first off, nice looking rifle.  Is the stock cut for the A3 handguard ring or not?  If not, it was made by SA in 1942 could have been used during the big 1942 rebuilds. If A3 cut then there is really no telling when/where/why. Depo rebuild did usually have stamping applied when completed but field units replacing parts or “repairing” did not usually.  

hello all, please does anyone know what is the earliest known date for having in actual use the CRU-8/P chest connector?, could 1957 - 58 be too early? I know a USAF T.O. from springtime 1960 showed it as regularly in service, yet that doesn't say when it had been introduced.   Thanx in advance.

Thank you for this info. Absolutely interesting to know - Great!  👍  

Ah, you were the one that beat to this on Bill's list haha

Noted! I'll keep them away from the washing machine. Do you guys think that a commercial spot removal spray could damage the fabric? Reading off the label it's supposedly "organic". Also, when hand washing. Should the water be on the cooler end of the spectrum or will luke warm be alright?

I do believe that the last one is nearly identical. Too bad the top is missing on ours, but I will be pouring through the canteen book tomorrow when I am at the museum. Thank you for the help.   Scott.

Hi guys,   Recently acquired an SA 1918 M1903 - most of the metal work seems original as does the handguard.  Definitely a rebuild, as the stock is...as usual...a scant C. Barrel is SA 5 18, and this would seems to marry perfectly to the 871XXX serial. The stock seems not refinished but simply finished at the time of rebuild - the old handguard and the stock seemingly match colour and finish. I cannot see any cartouche at all on it - would it have even necessarily gotten a cartouche when it was rebuilt WW2/post-WW2? There is potential it has been sanded, but my gut instinct says it has not been.   I'm leaving it alone....unless someone just happened to have a spare grasping groove stock :) (yeah, sure, I know, and no one will export out of the US anymore anyway) and I am not convinced as yet to put it in a Minelli C. Ignore the sling...just imagine it isn't there...which it won't be when I find a legit 1907, Kerr or early M1. (what's on there is what the seller had on there)    

Welcome to the forum from a fellow Minnesotan!

Hi,    Anyone know of a roster for the 6th Illinois infantry? I could not find one online. The paper with lock of hair states that he was a Lt. Smith with the 6th Illinois infantry. It was behind the image and within the case. I believe he was in the  6th Illinois cavalry.  The jacket looks cavalry to me, but I’m no expert in CW uniforms. Very faintly with the lock of hair is written.. “Please remember me”   Thanks