I have an amazingly large "Thrift" thrift store near me. They have a constant turnover of the truckloads of clothing they get in  on a daily/weekly basis which includes military uniforms. In 25+ years of stopping in there, I have never once found anything older than 1980s! No Vietnam era tropicals or ERDL camo. No Tigerstripes (only commercialy made post Nam era). No WW2 or WW1.  Its mind boggling that with the amount of stuff they get in I have never come across anything! Ok, well, one item....a Vietnam ERDL boonie hat. Thats it.   On the other hand, "Antique" shops which have really just become Junk/Thrift shops are and have been a great source. I have found so much I couldnt list it. Almost my entire WW1 collection (US,British & Imperial German ) has come from Antique/Thrift shops. Almost my entire collection of WW2 (and a couple WW1 & Pre WW1 era) canteen sets. Numerous WW2 German, US and Japanese items. And yet I can go months of hitting Antique/Thrift shops and not even come across anything militaria related. Not even the usual 1980/90s nylon duffel bag or ammo can. Those are the times I ask myself "Why do I even bother?". Then I find something and its all worth it.  

This is a compelling theory! This would help keep the weight of the shovel higher up on the back as well

I agree that’s one thing that sticks out on it. But I believe it was polished then a varnish was put on the entire helmet a long time ago then it seems it was stored in a moist environment and rusted over 

Hello all,   I would need your expert eyes on this M1905 bayonet (Springfield Armory - 1908), which looks ''too new'' for me. I've been searching along the forum, the stamp number over ricasso looks normal accordingly with the manufacturer date (319805), but its plastic scabbard looks unusual new to me.      What do you think? Am I wrong?   Thanks!  

Scott that is excellent! To the manual how a 1st Sgt should be kitted. 

Great image!

Have listed two of these on eBay… One still in its original cosmoline and one cleaned (as pictured) with Mineral spirits and a soft bristle tooth brush. I am seller ‘TLCmilitary’      They’re not cheap, but will be a hard / impossible to improve upon example for a collection.     Appreciate the interest!    -Rob 

Thank you.

The US Marine Corps had tactical nuke artillery ammunition during the Cold War but did not have the Davey Crocket system. I don't know how it was organized. I do know such a patch would be purely unofficial and never worn on a uniform. It would be only for wear on civilian clothes while on leave or liberty.

Absolutely incredible