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.

Stucky nailed it, replaced buttons. I noted they were dark bronze which would suggest later but didn't catch that they were navy. Would be an easy fix once you find USMC buttons. The cap indeed could be a bit later, but I still think it has the makings of pre WWII. I do have a nice tan cover in my collection that dates to late twenties and it has a brown visor and chin strap. On the enlisted mens caps, you can discern 1920’s models from their more narrow chin straps. Yours certainly has a wide chin strap and I am not entirely sure if the more narrow ones were also worn by officers on the earlier models, (Officer caps were private purchase and tailored by private firms unlike the EM caps which were made by government contract). Value is always a tough call…..as they say the value is the price a buyer is willing to pay. Rough estimate with that nice ega on it I would ay is $300, give or take $25-$50 either direction. If it were named inside with some history, it would be stronger in the plus direction. Carefully check under the sweatband to see if you can find a name, many were stamped there. Good luck.