The Capstone

I know there are some here who collect various U.S. military categories, so my question to everyone is:

"If you could have any piece of United States militaria, in any condition, from any branch or period, what would it be and in what condition?"

For me, I'd have to say it would be a toss-up between a named 82nd Pathfinder uniform (complete with M2 helmet, fiber para liner, weapon, and web gear), and a C.S.A./U.S.A. setup from one of my 12 ancestors who fought in the War Between the States.

Let's hear it!

Capstone

Finally, inside the Firestone liner:

Inside the Schleuter shell:

A collection of Vietnam-era repainted and issued helmets. Three of them are WWII made shells, while the rest are post-war. All have mid-late 60's era liners. The painted helmets you see were done by myself when I was a kid. Please ignore the helmet farthes to the right on the front row; it is not an M1.

A liner used in Pakistan, China, and Burma: mid- to late-war Firestone, blackened hardware, pretty soiled and salty.

Here's a Schleuter M1, swivel bale, front seam. No liner or chinstraps, but paint and texture is 85%.

It's a high-wing design, so I would agree that the French Potez is the most likely candidate.

Notice to the right, there appears to be a skeleton of another plane, perhaps another Potez? If it were an airframe, is it possible that this picture came from a captured French airfield?

Capstone

Adam,

Always a pleasure to see your collection. They are really nice pieces.

Capstone

I have many friends who will be receiving these medals, assuming their return to America after their tour. I agree that those who serve deserve something a little more tasteful and of higher quality.

Capstone

Hi all,

I have heard that the Soviets used dogs with explosives strapped to them against the Germans in WWII. I've looked through some encyclopaedias and other sources, but have not been able to find an official historic reference.

Can someone corroborate this?

Capstone