@Fence It’s looking like the French M1842 and its variants like @Misfit 45 & @Collector2 have said but not the 1859 version as that has a different spring mechanism. The US had two main types like this, but the Colt M1855 Revolving rifle can’t be it as the muzzle ring on that is narrower around, and the M1861 Collins for the Whitney M1861 “Plymouth” rifle is unlikely, BUT I just read an article today about a German S & K import that fit Plymouth parts cobbled together into a completed rifle. I’m not sure how close the Plymouth actually was to the French M1846/M1853 rifles (carbines in French terminology of the time) that it was based on. Too little detailed research on that topic. I’ll post again after going through new books after I get them, including books on European imported bayonets for the hodgepodge of firearms actually used in the Civil War.

I'm not familiar with this combination of rate and rating.  It appears to be about 1981, when this distinguishing mark was approved.  The dist. mark is for Apprentice Training Graduate Airman and appears to be attached separately to the group rate patch.  Any insight on this please.  Thanks,   Dennie   

Grazie!

Thanks interesting to know on the RIKER Fabric I normally replace with archival Material for the really good stuff :) Speaking of NO SUN LIGHT some years ago when I was researching Glass for HIGH END DISPLAY I found the New Black Out Glass that would BLACK OUT with a flip of a switch. of course being new it was very expensive but thinking years have passed so may have to take another look at that stuff. I remember it could be set to display even a photo or Sunset type image. Anyway again thanks for taking the time to respond with some very good advice Who would of guessed the riker fabric would off-gas I should of known

The more important elements of preservation are to keep them out of light - especially direct and/or sun light, and keep them dry and in a temperature stable environment (inside a house).  Fabric in riker mounts will outgass over time (leaving a faint shadow or negative of to item pon the glass) so every year or two, clean the glass.  

To answer my own question I have not ever put much thought into where a WWII Laundry Number came from. With that said this is nice little odd ball item I found at the flea market today. What is interesting is that the box unfolds and shows where to properly stamp the number on just about everything.                  

@Collector2 The wall gun variation of the French M1842 Bayonet was one of the ones I was investigating. I’m also finding some inconsistencies in the online data for the M1842 and its subsequent iterations. Further complications crop up for Euro imports into the US during the CW for European & Domestic firearms as both sides were scrambling for every firearm they could get their hands on. I was already needing some new resources for my primary research project so I’ve ordered some books that might bear on the issue as well, but will have to wait until they arrive.  

Thank you for the information and the tag.  I probably helps knowing that he was part of the 1st Army based on the shoulder patch.  The full uniform is just so interesting to me with the corduroy fabric.  This is the first one of those that I've come across as well.

On a related note, I think our own Dr Frost @pfrost may have done some research that could associate that specific sequined wing with certain Aero Squadrons.  It's a long shot to be sure.  The other wing is a fairly generic French-made example but since your guy was "over there" it may be possible to pick him out of a photograph (like in Gorrell) based on details of the uniform.     Expectation management:  A very, very, very long shot, but there just might be enough information for you to get lucky and narrow him down.   Warm regards!   Chris

That is how it starts... 😂   Both wings appear to be in excellent shape with very little bullion loosening and nice overall toning.  Really a great snag for your first WW1 wings!  European made badges are more scarce than their US made counterparts.   Warm regards!   Chris