Cobra, what's the difference between a lighter with a crisp, perfect engraving that looks like it was laser-cut and one with "imperfection" and a "handmade" look by locals in street workshops? This is a characteristic of the authenticity of many Zippos from the Vietnam War.

I completely agree. Those Zippos aren't just lighters; they're pocket biographies. While those with generic phrases ("Bury me upside down so the world can kiss my rump") are iconic, those that include specific details like service number or unit are authentic pieces of military history that, in many cases, allow you to trace the real soldier and verify their authenticity.

Welcome! Quite a wide historical range there!

I am trying to find a list of units that were involved with T/F Frigid. I have seen photos of the tab being worn under the 82nd Airborne, 3rd Infantry Division, and the basic Armored triangle patches. I can find no evidence that the 3rd was involved, but I have seen a photo of someone with the tab under the patch. Were any other units involved?

Thank you, Nestor. The Zippo is an authentic, manufactured one. The letters engraved are crisp, although I am troubled by the black paint. My opinion is that this is probably an authentic, engraved-in-Vietnam during the War years lighter. Naturally, more on the named individual would be helpful.   I always go back to the best and easiest to authenticate are those with a name, service number, rank, unit, location and a paper or electronic copy of his DD-214 discharge available. But, this is not the ideal world, so we make our best estimated guesses. 

Yes, it a shame about the suspenders. I wonder if any still exist (not already attached to the suit)?

Thanks for circling back and posting. Great collection you have and unique! Nice to see them all together and the shoulder boards are a tremendous addition.

Great collection!  

I would honestly go for an original stripped og107 shirt. They are much cheaper than the repros and much better quality. If it is for an impression to honor your father, I would take a stripped og107 (or a NOS one, that still turn up sometimes) and try applying original insignia. The result will look MUCH better than with repro stuff. Even though there are good repros out there, you can still see/feel, that they are not 100% like the real deal. However, I can only speak for "regular" stuff and not more rare items like Tiger Stripes, etc.. On top of that, it will be much cheaper if you do it with originals. Especially USAF uniform tops aren't that expensive (for whatever reason) and often times still have rank or branch tapes applied :))

Got the wings today! Really pleased!  The roller for the straight pin isn't there, but I really do Appreciate the ID as being Bell two piece constructed wing. Thanks!