Patches, Thank you very much for getting back to me on this.  I really appreciate your input but I am pretty sure this color difference is more than just a variant.  Over the years I have owned over 30 pieces of Ist pattern coats and pants and all my buttons on all my other units have always been the standard shiny green.  I got multiple pieces of these pants from the estate of this Special Forces Army Sergeant who served more than 2 tours in Vietnam in the early 60's and all the pants have this weird color buttons.  I was kind of thinking that these buttons might have come off some ARVN uniforms while this guy was in country but have not been able to verify that.  It is kind of driving me nuts because I have been collecting militaria for a long time and I could swear that I have seen this color buttons on some other clothing.

Hey Garandy! Just thought I'd check in and see how things were going after your flood. If you ever get a chance to scan the Jungle Warfare Manual I'd be grateful. Hope all is well, thanks!

Tatlow

Interesting did not know that about the swords!

Thank you! That’s some pretty good value I will definitely keep the EGA attached to it and not sell it separately. I think I do have some old Marine Corps small buttons laying around, which one specifically would be period correct with the hat? I think mine are brass Waterbury.

I attended an MVCC show in Pleasanton, CA several years ago. It was an amazing experience. If any of you can, go to this show!  mikie

Thanks everyone!!!! I will post pics on the site… I was just excited and wanted to get info on the rifle first before taking time to learn how to post pics. Every forum is different!! Another question…. What are a couple of “best books” on the 1903 and is there a very best site on the net for detailed info about correct stocks, marks, parts???? Thanks again!!

Andrew very nice collection and thanks for sharing! Kevin

In the late 50's early 60's my dad was with the 45th Tac Recon Sqdn known as the " Polka Dots" in Japan working as a photo tech servicing the RF-84 for missions in the air space east of Japan.

F4 was a beast! They flew out of RAF Alconbury in the 1970’s when I was stationed there.