Colorado

Thanks Rick, appreciate the move - I normally use a dark background, that could explain it. I will try to see if I can improve and post again. Cheers.

Forgot I had one more, a button.

Thanks.

Close-up - The writing looks French, but is this not a Fasci?

Back - Sorry about the small photos, I think I have to reduce quality to get to fit in size limits.

I don't recall having come across Italian insignia and pins in my collecting time until I found these from a Vet estate seller. There was some German pins, buttons and insignia too. Typical GI pickup stuff. So, I assume they are all Italian, but I have not really learned this part of collecting. Thanks in advance.

Hello Gentlemen - Would have posted more, but that pesky deployment to the Sandbox got in the way. Just returned a few weeks ago.

I picked up these man pajamas from a US Vietnam Vet yesterday He acquired them on a mission and they were unworn and kept in his closet since the war. There is slight staining from what looks like old mildew, but otherwise mint condition. Includes Shirt with and without collar and the trousers. Have not seen them around at all in any condition. Are they common and I have missed them or are they hard to come by?

I have been offered well over $1K for my dagger.

I understand what you are saying about the black ones. But, the ones such as mine that are like a standard SA except all metal parts (minus blade) are gilt too and referred to as a Marine model by some. There is no documentation on that I know. I saw one posted on Germandaggers back in about 2002 like mine and both were Wingen and both were "No" marked. There was someone else that claimed to have another Wingen similarly marked. That makes three I know of to date.

The one that started this thread is not "No" so my guess it is not gilt in the same way as mine. Only a thoery given the location of the Gau in Germany, mine could have been a special order by Wingen for a "marine" contingent or other special group.

My point is that makers made these in batches (like Rohm's) and one would expect daggers by same makers and Gaus from the same period to have same characteristics. All others should be viewed with a measure of skepticism.

Hi Fritz - Did not know that, interesting. What I do know is every legit gilt SA I have ever seen like mine is always a Wingen and there are not many I have seen.

I don't see the gilt on the original one posted, but it is the correct maker.

Good to see you here Erich. I think long ago we had the same discussion. I too have not seen references to it bring Marine SA. I do know that "coppery" finishes are found consistantly on Anton Wingens. A collector should be suspiciuos of any SA purported to be Marine SA. As with Wingen it is reasonable that other makers made gilt SA's and they should occur in batches as this would not normally be an individual thing but a group purchase. Like I said, most of these that I have seen, I would not own just based on the color alone for fear it was post-war. The color is unique.

Wingen's are the only maker I have seen that has the gilt finish I like. Here is mine picked up many years ago. Gilt eagle and all fittings on both dagger, scabbard and hanger. I have used it as my Avatar on the forums for 5 years now.

I too am new here. Your helmet will likely never have much collector value given your description. Restoring it will not hurt it at this point as the components could be removed at any time.

Nice daggers and great photography.

Where have you been Bob?

Looks great Brian, only seen one before in person. Are the runners made from wood on this?

Nice collection. Can you post a close-up of the parade mounted EK2 spange? Looks great from here.

Hi guys, I am new here. Good to see Larry, thanks for not letting me know about this site Larry!

Great looking spange, was badge wrapped in paper, or the box? Reason I ask, the paper looks like it would fill up that little box. Have never seen one with the paper still with it. Nice find.

Hi Rich - That's the pile! It has character. Is it still there?

Hi Rich - Larry good to see you too. Thanks guys for NOT letting me know another forum was out there.

Great looking dagger you got there. Looks better than that pile of daggers you photo'd