2nd Infantry Division stuff

[Aragorn243]

I got a call today from a woman I talked to sometime last year at a yard sale. I mentioned I was looking for military stuff and she said her dad had some things, but she didn't know what.

I guess she dug them out. I don't have a good idea of what all it is but apparently, he was in the 2nd Infantry division as it's an Indian on a star.

She started out with a canteen cup and the utensils from a mess kit. Not that exciting but I can use the cup, always short on cups. Then some rucksacks which I'm definitely interested in. Some leather things described as arm bands used when shooting the rifle. I have no idea what these might be. Am I missing some crucial thing here? Four garrison caps, one with round corners, a shirt, a long jacket and a more complete uniform with the shoulder patch.

I'm not super interested in the uniforms and expect since they were her dad's she isn't looking to part with them for cheap. Just no idea what these leather things might be. Said there are two of them.

2nd Infantry division isn't one I've seen mentioned a lot either. They were at Normandy on the 7th, so not part of the beach invasion. They were also at the Battle of the Bulge, but I believe they were one of the units forced to retire but they apparently did so in good order.

I'm hoping for more gear so we'll see. Want to make fair offers also, not looking to rip her off, just way out of my expertise on the uniforms.

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[browningautorifle]

Some leather things described as arm bands used when shooting the rifle.

Maybe 1907 slings? They're leather arm bands used when shooting...to someone that didn't fully understand the use or name of them...

You never know...what will appear.

[Aragorn243]

Maybe 1907 slings? They're leather arm bands used when shooting...to someone that didn't fully understand the use or name of them...

You never know...what will appear.

I did think of that but she was describing them like arm bands. We’ll see I guess.

[Aragorn243]

Might not happen anyway. The kids discovered mom was getting rid of it and suddenly expressed an interest they never had before. So, it's all on hold.

[browningautorifle]

The kids discovered mom was getting rid of it and suddenly expressed an interest they never had before.

Right...of course. They have no interest except they think they do. I lost a dewat AN M2 .50 gun at a sale by veteran once because his 16 yr old grandson decided he wanted it. It'll sit for a couple years until the kid turns 18 and drifts away either leaving it behind or selling it for a few bucks to furnish a party with goodies. Eventually it'll go to the dump...

Well, at least you saved the money.

[CINDERS]

Ain't that the truth Jim no interest for years when its going to a new home all of a sudden its gotta be theirs so they can put it away and forget about it or sell it without a clue as to its intrinsic value.

Never got much of my dads military gear which my brother Barry had in his shed he was hardly cold from dying when the dis-owned half brother was in that shed ratting what ever he could to flog for cash, took antiques, tools, collectibles anything that looked valuable, my poor sister in law was in no state to resist.
I got a few pics his badges and most importantly his service medals and service pay books the rat missed them, I don't forget stuff like that everywhere that half-brother & wife went they ended up getting run out of town as they are low life's, sadly dad let him have our surname as his was Messenger from his German father, they even fleeced those relatives as well.

[Flying10uk]

I expect quite a few of us here have had similar things happen to us or been in similar situations at one time or another.

I think that what I would do is give it a couple of weeks and if she hasn't made contact again call her and say that you are still interested in the items and are prepared to pay a fair price. At least you will find out what the score is and shows, to her, that you are serious.

[Aragorn243]

I suspect they found out she was going to sell them thus they have value, thus they want them so they can sell them. Doesn't matter a whole lot to me either way. I am really curious what those leather arm bands are. Sling does make the most sense. She seemed to think they wouldn't want any of it and she'll call me again in a few weeks.

[Flying10uk]

I've got some short leather straps with buckles which I believe to be ex-military. I presume them to just be multipurpose equipment straps.