Kenneth Whitcomb

Hi, I have obtained two Japanese NCO swords (matching numbers, beautiful blades) and both blades are coated with cosmoline that has been present since 1945. I want to remove the cosmoline. Is it safe to use WD-40? The cosmoline does not appear to be gummy. Thank you for any suggestions you can offer. Ken

I have bookmarked the two tin sites you mention. Thank you for the information. Do you know of anyone who might have an original bullet pencil for sale outside of ebay?

I have an opportunity to buy a Soviet naval flag that is said to be made of dog hair because wool would not stand up to salt water conditions. The flag is associated with the submarine service. I do not know the size or anything more about it at this time. He will send a photo when possible. Any comments about a "dog hair" flag??

Chris,

The early rigs bring more, but that just may be because the Italians buy them as examples of what the Austrians normally wore. It is hard to judge how much more the Gummimaske are worth. If you go by prices on E-bay, I think you get somewhat of a skewed view. But generally speaking, I would say that the difference would be about $75.00-$100.00 if the two were similarly complete sets in comparable condition. Regarding scarcity, I think I would see about ten or more leather masks for every Gummimaske. Of course, that is here in the U.S. and that is most likely effected by the fact that by the time our troops began souveniring masks (1918 basically), the Gummimaske were about gone from the field.

Chip

Beautiful models. Where can I buy these models? What is the price range? Thanks, Ken

It's nice to have something like this actually named to a soldier, unfortunately only one of mine is named but the writing is too modern.

Tony

The writing on the envelope is somewhat faded. It is authentic. I have another tin somewhere that has entire contents also. Can't find it! A question: how can I research soldiers mentioned in dispatches? Somewhere around here I have a short war diary of a Canadian Colonel in the medical corps. He was mentioned twice. Thanks, Ken

#2

After reading this thread I checked my tin. It has the original tobacco, etc. The Christmas card is in a yellowed, small envelope upon which is written: "1914-1918, Souvenier of the Great War, Sergeant L. Seavers, 2nd South Lancs, Xmas 1914. Made Sergt on field and mentioned in Sir John Frenchs first dispatches pvt(?) 1914. One of the contemptible little army." This tin is in my collection for keeps. What a history it presents.

Another one: A French Priest:

Is it possible to purchase a copy of this photo? Ken

Kenneth,

You might want to start here, which will keep you busy for a few long winter evenings.

Failing that, just ask, as there are a few members of this forum who will be able to point you in the right direction.

Cheers,

David

Ye gads, no wonder I can't find anything about my collection. I do not have one title listed in all these lists. I really am a rookie. Oh well, better get busy and do some shopping. Maybe a course in the German language would be helpful. Ken

I will try and locate those titles. Has "sources of information" ever been a topic? Perhaps other collectors would have favorite sources they could share. Thanks Chip.

Chip, WOW, thanks for the information. I am a somewhat rookie Imperial collector. What source of information did you use to find out about this labor unit? I would like to improve my library. Also, I see that this format is not fitting into this window. Anotdther rookie mistake. How do I fix this? Thanks for your time and patience. Ken

Hi, I came across a cloth(not leather) gas mask. It is a grayish/green color. "No.12 AGD" imprinted onto the metal base into which the filter goes. The filter is marked "No.5" "?JB" and dated 1918. The filter has a cloth stuffed into it's opening. Mask appears to be unused. Eye lenses are in tact. The can is early (?). No catch with wire in cover. No extra lens in cover. Bottom of can has the soldiers' name and "Arm.Batl., 108/3. Would appreciate any information you can offer. Sorry, no photos at time. Don't know how. Thanks, Ken