I went out to yard sales this morning and came across what I thought to be an interesting find. An old military sleeping bag. I looked it over and found the tags on the interior dating it to 1944 and appearing to be of US style.

Knowing nothing about these and seeing that it was displayed very nicely by the owner, I figured whatever they wanted for it would be beyond what I was willing to risk. But I asked how much and they told me if I wanted it, it was mine for free. It had a hole in it an no one wanted it.

Can't beat that so I rolled it up and brought it home. I have at least confirmed that it is a US wool sleeping bag with a cover. The wool portion looks like new. The cover is what has some holes in it. I later found the tag on the liner when I learned it was separate, it also is dated 1944 but a few months later. I did not see any other markings until I had it out in the sun to take photos. It has a large but faint US on the bottom of the cover.

I didn't even know the US used sleeping bags in WWII. Not something I've ever seen in the war movies. All I've ever seen were the wool blankets.

Are the dates on the tags the dates they were produced or the date of the design? I guess these were used through Vietnam so there is no guarantee this one was actually used during WWII.

Should I make any effort to repair the holes/tears in the cover? I doubt I'll ever actually use it so it's not going to get any worse. If repaired, how would I go about it? Hand sewing, machine?

Anyway, here are some photos:

Got these 2 grey leather pouches in a lot.
~10" x 4 1/4"
I like the gray color, would like to ID 'em and look for a few more.

thank you!

Scott

Hi, I'm a new member. I want to ask if anyone recognizes the pictures I've attached. I got it at an estate auction and the owner was very involved in the Navy in WWII. I don't know if this phone device was from the military or what. I'd appreciate any input.

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Hello everyone. This is my first post on the forums, actually my first post on any forum. I have just acquired a pair of anklets that are dated 1943 with the Canadian acceptance mark and maker mark G.P. & R. Ltd. Anyone know this maker, it's not listed in The Canadian Soldier and I could not find online. Thanks.

Hello, I have received this Mercury KB6-A Reed Prentice. I have found several references to this saw in the Timberman magazine. My particular example is serial number 3023. That did not mean much to me until I pulled out my Army Service manual for a G-36 (Mercury Disston KB6-AX). It states that the serial numbers for the Mercury motors started at 3001 which was for the KB6-A.

Since this was the first production model that makes this saw the 23rd produced. It has many features that are only found in this early version. I have a KB6-A serial number 4619 and it shows all the castings that were carried forward to the KB6-AX but are different on this early 3023 version. This early version has a differnt fan housing casting, gas tank casting, transmission casting, clutch lever, tranny throw out bearing, cylinder castings. They look similar but are cruder and missing the Mercury logo and the high rise tunnel that runs for the plug wires is similar to later KB6-A but no other versions.

So here are some pictures of the saw as I received it. It was frozen up from being run without oil. I had a set of the early pistons and replaced these heavily damaged ones. I had to come up with an early style starter complete, early style fan cover, cylinder shroud, clutch cable (had to borrow from my newer 6-A which is the only version it was used on). In need of one of these style cables for my other 6-A now.

The feet were broken off the fan housing and I had to cut feet off a later fan housing and weld those on and modify them to match the original configuration which gave poor support and let to them breaking off. Much welding on the tranny also. The two starter bosses were both damaged and had to be welded up and re-shaped. The bar plate was broken off and had to be welded back on.

The helper handle is the same one used on the air powered and electric saws and had been in production for several years so the serial number is higher.

The last picture shows the crank case after restoration.

















---------- Post added at 06:00 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:56 PM ----------

I got the restoration completed and here it is. I reread the short section of the Mercury history book and it had some interesting points. Reed Prentice had submitted two different gas chainsaw motors to the government for evaluation and the review board said the best bet for Reed Prentice would be to contact Kiekhaufer for a supplier of motors to use with their bars and chains and helper handles, which is what they did as seen here. But the deal fell through and Disston became the supplier of choice. Kiekhaufer had stated they only wanted to make the motors and let, in this case, Disston put the whole package together for the military.

Many little differences for this early 23rd unit produced saw versus even later saws of the same model. Small screws are brass, gas tank casting is different. Tranny casting is different with holes that proved to be a weak point. Clutch cable is different. Starter is slightly different. Fan housing casting is different. Flywheel cover has no cross bracing.

Hello everybody.

Was the USGI canvas sling used during late WWII years (1944) with M1 Garand rifles in replacement of the USGI M1907 leather sling ?
Or was it used only in post-WWII era (Korea, Vietnam) instead ?

Thank you.

According to an article I read on the web, the No53 scope was used (amongst other things) on the Winchester 74 .22 cal rifle which were purchased for Home Guard Auxillary Units during WW2. They were used in conjunction with a Parker Hale silencer and their intended use was to "snipe" at invading Germans and tracker dogs if England were invaded. However, because the scopes were not adjustable, tests in the field with them fitted and "pre-accurised" did not stand up well, the scopes went out of alignement at the slightest knock.

Interesting!!!

Can anyone shedder some light on this holster? It looks like the average 1911 flap holster more or less but doesn't come close to accepting one but a High Power fits like a glove. Is it military issue or a repro?

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Hello,
I'am new to both this site and forum. My ninty two year old father dug out an old pair of leather gloves that were issued to him during the Second World War. He served as a company armorer in an ordinance battalion of an armored division from 1942-1946. I did some research and found in an old quartermaster issue guide dated 1943 that these gloves were issued as M-1938 Riding Gloves Unlined. I found that there are many reproductions of these gloves available on the internet. However, much to my surprise, I have not found much info regarding original examples. My father's serial number is marked in each glove. and there is also a number 8 and a letter S stamped in them as well. I assume that these are size marks. I found no other markings. I also read that these gloves were utilized by airborne troops. I also read (and surmise based on their nomenclature) they were issued to mounted troops as well. Do these glove types have any value? I would also surmise that these gloves were probably issued in the hundreds of thousands-if not more during the war. Any info would be appreciated. Thanks again in advance.

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I have a World War One US gas mask that is very complete in its bag but very brittle. Is there anything I can do to soften the rubber and prevent further decay or should I just leave it in there?

I picked this up at the flea market the other day, mainly because I thought it looked interesting. I was leaning towards a possible antique hand grenade shell of sorts but I was unable to find anything in the land of Google to help me confirm that. Any ideas?Attachment 41324Attachment 41325Attachment 41326Attachment 41327

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Rediscovered in my basement where it has resided for many years. Never knew what it was for sure. Anyone recognize it? It is 9 3/4 inches wide by 6 in. when folded, 21 in. long unfolded. Thanks.

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Kahki web pouch with 4 hook attachments in X formation. "HTK" crown marked. Any idea what it is and how used? Thanks

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Hey Guys,

I stumbled upon this site during my research of an old pant I have and recently was curious enough to start researching it.

The label looks like the one attached.

My question is, what is the origin of the pant, and approximately the era it is from?

Thank you guys for your help. This forum is great and I definitely am going to stick around a while.

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I recently found this leather trench coat at a thrift shop and had to pick it up. However, I can't find any information online about it. The jacket's label does have some information but none of it helped during the online research. The tag reads "MIC 1979 100M" and the brass buttons are stamped "T.W.&W. PARIS". I think I've seen these buttons before usually on French firemens' coats. Anyone have any ideas? Thanks, TomAttachment 41096Attachment 41097Attachment 41098

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Trying to locate a well known Canadian Militaria collector Mr Kevin Roberts from Calgary, Alberta. Can anyone help please?
Thanks
Mark

I'm looking for a cheap NV monocular to run on my PASGT with rhino mount. I'm not familiar with any NV equipment or mounts and havn't turned up much info on the web. Not even sure as to what I have for a mountin option.....basically I have know Idea whay I'm talking about.... Can someone help? :DAttachment 40901

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Hey guys, this is my first post and i just wanted to say hi, and to beg some knowledge from the other members. I bought an M1 helmet from a military flea market, but I cant identify it. I'm pretty sure it is the Vietnam style, with the less pronounced curv, but besides that, I'm stumped. There is no stamp under the brim, or anywhere for that matter. It was painted yellow, with the outside painted od green over the yellow. Can anybody help?

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Well the scabbard that I hung on the wall was just assumed to fit an old hunting rifle. After posting pics and finding out about the '99 Krag carbine we had inherited, Jon N. said that the 1902 hand guard had the hump on it to protect the rear sights after the military ordered the saddle ring be removed from that year's model. Jon had said scabbards were used from that point on. This one has the name LAWRENCE and letters S.M.G. stamped in it. Well, I'm looking up at the wall.....hmmm. Sure enough, the carbine fit pretty good in that old leather. Take a look:

Hello,
I'm a big cold war buff and as it maybe I was traveling i came across a little store in Dublin that was selling what I think is some type of Russian Officer Cap. I can't seem to find what type it is or if its even really, any help would be amazing and more detail the better.
Thank you mates

I picked this up the other day at a garage sale. I did some research on the latch company and it said that they once worked with the Pratt & Whitney Aircraft company and utilized their entire production towards the WWII war effort. The only markings on the box itself was the "White House" placard. Has anyone ever seen anything like this before? As always, any help is appreciated. Attachment 40604Attachment 40605Attachment 40606

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I want to apologize in advance...I really just joined to ask a simple question, that my own google-fu seemed unable to answer.

I bought this vest as a bit of an impulse buy at my local Army / Navy store, and would like to know what branch it belonged to, and possibly when. It doesn't look like the more modern types, and I'm thinking it's Air Force, because of the "crotch straps"...though I've very little basis to go on.

Any help in identifying it would be appreciated. I'm also trying to find out exactly what was meant to be carried in all the pockets. With a reasonable starting point, hopefully I can find out without having someone here explain everything in painful detail. (unless they want to :P )

Thanks in advance.

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I was told that this was used on WWII life boats. Hence the hook on the back. It's all copper, non ferris, a magnet won't stick anywhere. The small box on the right opens to expose a small kerosene lantern with a reflector mounted on the door. Made by the Lionel Corp. It looks legit to me and is in great shape. Mark

Good Evening All,

I found this while cleaning out my father-in-laws estate. I was informed that it may be a police helmet of sorts but I am not to sure on that. Anyways, I was wondering what something like this is worth as it is and also, how much would it cost me to obtain an original parts (liner, chinstrap, split-pins, grommets, etc)? I realize these parts pop up on eBay every great now and again but they usually tend to get up there in price. I've found a few websites offering reproduction parts and such but I'm not really sure I want to go that route. Anyways, all and any help/advice is appreciated as always! Thank you.

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What was the preferred scope cover/lens cover used on the original Remington M40s with the Redfield 3-9x40 scope? --TIA

I need some advice on the model 1918 Browning belt filling machines.
Someone offers me two of them like the examples on the photos (these are not the real one’s of the offer).One has brass components, the other is completely in steel.
I am only going to buy one, so which one would I choose?
One is rarer than the other? Is there a difference in collectible value?
All other info is welcome.
thanks

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Hi. 20 years ago I was buying a M1 helmet, liner and cover in a surplus store in Switzerland. Now I try to identify the date of manufacture and the manufacturer. It would be nice if you can help me.
Shell is stamped inside 19901
Liner has the Firestone logo and No. 26
All I can read on the cover is

....MET CAM
....DUCK....ERDL....PATTERN
...SA...00.....1701
...415-105......
Thank you for helping me
Some pics

I found this while cleaning my garage and was wondering If it could be a piece of trench art or just an umbrella stand. It is 13 1/2 inches in length and 4 1/2 inches in width. Thank you for any help.

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This uniform belongs to a friend. It was given to him as a gift from an estate liquidation that, unfortunetly, no one in the family had any interest in keeping. Uniforms are out of my area but you can't avoid them, nor should you, if you collect militaria. Here's what I think I know: Ike jacket with slacks, wool and WWII era. I'm especially interested in the many decorations and insignia on the upper left sleeve. It has a few moth nips and stains. Other than tha it is a nice group. Hate to ask, but, what is the value range?
Thanks for your time,
John

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i would like to find out wen it was made and were would i get mounts for it to put it on a gun
thank you for your help