I agree with SKIP, over time I've seen the metal throats of the M8/M8A1's painted black, green, or a silver metal finish.  Of the three I've seen evidence of rust underneath the paint most often with the black color.   I don't know the official process if one exists , but I wonder if this doesn't happen more often in guard or reserve units (??).

hello, Great collection! I also sometimes collect 8th AF patches.  I have noticed prices seem to have gone up on these, so I have not been actively chasing these anymore.  I do not want to hijack your thread, but I thought I would add my examples.  Mine are in a display case and difficult to pull out so I just took 'in situ' pics.   Note the unfinished US made patch, bottom of the three in first pic.  I think this is an interesting example as it shows has the different colored thread are guided in.   The 'printed' type patch is not very common in pic 2.  I assess these may have been the first issue and been found 'wanting' and was quickly switched to the stitched on wool pattern.  I have never seen one of these printed patches on a uniform.  And of course, who does not like a bullion thread patch like in pic 3.  Cheers!

On the question of grays, this isn't a photo, but I do have this 1944 dated Commissary or Steward 1st Class rating.  

Use an enamel, vs lacquer.  Semigloss.

Spelling corrected.

Hello, Given the context of other Civil War relics in the area, I would suggest it is a period camel bell.  I have never seen a dug one which is a very nice find.  I would suggest submitting a photo to the North South Trader as a 'recent find' submission.  It is worthy of publication in my humble opinion.  Just google it and you will find their contact data and website.  Congrats!  Definitely keep us posted as to what else you find.  Cheers!

Invest in a pin pointer, there worth their weight in gold, when I broke down and purchased one years ago, I realized what all had I missed or think I missed.  Good Luck! Very cool find too. 

Type EE-8-B with probably Korean War USMC unit identification markings.

Very randomly, I found this photo of a different variation of this patch.    Not fully sure what the icon is in the lower right where ASC was on mine. 

Thanks so much for the response. I have also found bricks and nails that are from the Civil War in my yard. I recently bought a metal detector and that thing has been going CRAZY. I haven’t been able to dig yet but I’ve marked many spots where the bell was dug up. Will be digging soon. Thanks again!