Very interesting hat!  I believe it is a woman's fashion item.  Often called "Middy."  It was very popular in the first half of the 1900's.  Do some internet searching on that term.

Those reverse white threads have a synthetic translucent look to them (not a nice flat dull white).  Do you have a blacklight?  That may be illuminating.     I might add, your photos are awesome!

More sparks this weekend! I attacked the welded trigger with my dremel. I forgot to take a photo of the weld mark until I already started going at it. It took a while but eventually the trigger came free. I’d like to take the trigger out so I can clean things out better but the pin seems badly stuck. Videos show just pushing the pin with something like a rifle cartridge bullet, but it is stuck way too badly for that.  that’s ok though. I’ll get it out eventually.  mikie

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Hi Guys,  I believe this is original WWII vintage but im not a patch guy so wanted to confirm with the experts.  So what do you think? 

Hello everyone, My wife and I have been in possession of this flat hat for over 15 years and have never really determined its true purpose. We are thinking that its age is probably around the Span Am period. The material that it is made from is a fairly heavy canvas like that of a sea bag. It is a size six. We don’t know if it was made for a woman as a sweetheart item, a child, for a school, a private ship line or something semi official like a “walking out” item. Hopefully someone has seen something similar. Thoughts will be appreciated! P&V

Hi John, I found someone selling both halves of demilled receivers!   I can’t seem to paste a link here for some reason, but my searching found a guy on northwestfirearms.com. search for topic Demilled M-1 Garand receivers. its an old thread but I contacted him and he says he still has some sets, front and rear. I’m waiting to hear back from him now about ordering a set. Price is $60. It’s been since last Wednesday that he contacted me last.  Good luck with your project.  mikie              

That German bullion example is spectacular 

I meant to say, "the slot where the rifle barrel goes".

Great patch!