JimZ

Indeed Ed !!! !!! Glad your reposted the link! I never noticed that thread..... Jim

A KGB submariner ???? Does not sound good .... not for the rest of the crew! Jim

Sadly for many in here - a discussion that should have never ever had to take place.... Were it not for ...... lets not point fingers!! Jim

Actually http://gmic.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=13060&hl=tickets My forum search skills are better than I thought! Enjoy! Jim

As always, its interesting what turns up in old uniform pockets and other places. There was a thread on that somehwere but go find it!! Could you post a pic of the inside liner of the helmet please. Jim

FF being freedom fighters? ;-) Joking aside. This is the first button stick I have come across with insigna on it. I have seen these by the dozen especially in markets hanging from brass seller stalls as well as sellers of militaria antiques but I must admit this is the first I have ever seen like that! Was it common to have them embossed ? Jim

Nice collection Dan! Very interesting especially the sub ones! Jim

That is not the issue. I made a comment regarding a dealer which I can now substantiate again. Dealers such as Rokaas are dangerous to collectors especially when they sell fakes copies or repros as guaranteed original items. It seems that the high price guarantees that someone or other will take the bait. Jim

Hi Pylon 1357, I will not be able to measure them any time before May.... but when the time comes I'll do that and post better pics as well as measurements! Jim

Thanks Kev. I had a few button sticks and have seen a few more - but never ones with a design on it. Is that design a badge or anything in particular? Jim :cheers

Yep, these are press stud fastenings in fact! Very uncomfortable for fastening a pouch that is not fully packed! On the other hand, I actually had an old run down set that I used to use for Scout activities that had the buckle fastenings....if you can call them buckles! And yet the press stud ones always seemed to close better IMHO!! Again... did one preceed the other or were both fastenings contemporary? What sort of blanco did you use? The one used on Maltese sets as this one seems to have been a very particular home made brew!!! I wonder how you could clean the press studs without mucking up the remaining webbing. Did you use those brass plates with slots and grooves in them.... or was it simply a case of experience? Ouch for those who failed inspection!!!! Jim

Hi Ulsterman, Do you reckon its that old? Probably 70s or something I'd guess ...... but can never say to have seen anything like that! Jim

Of course. That was meant to be further to my previous comment: Add on Glory 1 to that list now Jim

Hi Tony! You are testing my memory here! I believe the one in the skeleton holder to be green inside but am not sure about the one in the sleeve holder. I'll have to check up on that! Incidentally, can anyone indicate whether the bottle holders themselves are contemporary or whether one is older than the other. I always believed that the sleeved one was older.... but that is just based on conjecture. Jim

Heyya Pylon 1357! My comments about the pouch sizes in the previous post... question is are they MKII or MKIII now!! Many thanks for your explanation about the Bren Wallet as well as well as the carrier. I was never completely sure. Now as for the set being put together what can I say - I doubt that the guy was issued with 2 bottles..... and the revolver pouch probably belonged to an officer who would be carrying less stuff on him.....! As for the Bren wallet and carrier ...... I would again that those were also added on. There is also a small mag holder (I think) under the holster which probably was also added on. As for the rest...fairly standard stuff. Jim

Hi Kev, I can confirm that the ammo pouches are not different sizes but probably partly my fault when taking the photo, as I probably was too lazy to close both of them. The one on the left is very evidently not closed properly!! Confirmed no pick-axe carrier and no other pouches. Actually is the pick axe referred to as the entrenching tool? If so any one got pics of that pls? I have yet to see one up close and personal! There are 18 years between 58 and 76!! Must have been a relief to upgrade as this webbing is not the most comfy around especially if and when fully loaded! Jim

Got one! I had it once mounted on the old BDU and with Malta Cammo helmet! I promise to post it next time I am near! Jim

Well done Belaruski! I hope you found my hints fair and correct .... and somewhat challenging too in getting to our man As your answers are correct I will not post mine .... I will instead put the links that you may find some as interesting reading Jim http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viktor_Belenko http://www.time.com/time/magazine/printout...,946610,00.html http://www.time.com/time/magazine/printout...,946651,00.html http://english.pravda.ru/russia/history/4029-0/ http://www.geocities.com/siafdu/viktor.html http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MiG-25

Hi Belaruski! I am afraid its not..... We gathered he is a defector so far ..... read the clues in the question. There is a hint at what this officer did for a living before defecting.... from then on its not that hard. Jim

Home but still reading the scans/photos Pylon?? Jim

Evil Chris!!! Not sure you saw the one I posted on that thread in the shop window!!! Jim

Would love to start as german helmets have always been a fascination of mine..... But I must resist! Very nice Joel!!! Jim

Sure, but that means opening and closing the ribbon clasp and leaving marks on the reverse of the suspension! I would advise against that. Replacing the original ribbon will never look as good once it has been removed either! Jim

Set consists of 2 ammo pouches, 1 pistol holster, 1 magazine holder (?), 2 bottles - full sleeve and skeleton holder, 2 braces for wearing webbing with no pouches, 1 knapsack with left and right straps, 2 puttees, 1 bayonet frog, 1 holder small pouch for tools (?), 1 bren gun barrel holder case (?), 1 belt and two cross over brace straps. I am interested primarily in finding out more about the (?) items. Sadly I cannot post closer details as again, items are currently in another country and this pic is off my database. I would gladly do so however in future. Any comments of course are greatly appreciated. Jim