Even on the Navy silver Type I PH's a chemical was used to darken the engraving. I have seen 1 or 2 where the engraver " forgot " to darken it.  The engraving was very bright and shiny.    KUrt

@hink441 - That was me, as I bought that buckle yesterday on Ebay.  Even though I have a similar one I thought this one was too cool to pass up.  When I get it I'll post pics alongside my other rescue boat buckle for comparison.

@Celia - That's a great buckle, especially with that bronze patina on the front.  I've personally never seen a PI buckle get that that color so if it were me I'd leave it as is.  Thanks for sharing!

Hi!  My name is Cathy Dawson.  I am married to Lindsay Dawson and his uncle is Marion Lindsay Dawson.   We have searched for pieces of his uniform for years.  So glad to have found this on my search.    

Thanks for posting, solcarlus! Cool helmet. This reminds me that I may have to dig around and post some military fire helmet shields.Stay tuned!

Another mask question, what type of mask microphone did the navy use?

Thank you good to know this

Bonjour.   Two helmets from a DRMO in Germany.    Sol.      

I recently purchased a "lot" of pins / badges. Most WWII and some pre. I came across this one. It is a little strange to me. The badge is hallmarked "23". I can not find any hallmarks on the bars. There is tarnishing and cant tell if there is one. I have multiple questions on this one. I have never seen it, and cant seem to find anything on it. But has anyone ever seen an "expert bar". I am not understanding why the badge and bar would "repeat" itself. Also has anyone seen this "23" hallmark? The badge itself with the clasp IMO say WWII US made. Just a bit stumped on this piece. Thanks.

Louis Jones with Unidentified Marine, Okinawa, 1945 From the Louis R. Jones Collection  (Official USMC archive photograph)