Opinions on Potentially Sensitive Item

I was at a yard sale a couple of weeks ago and bought this for a buck or two.



I didn't have a clue what it was, but as I was leaving, someone told me it was a veteran's ww2 marker for a grave.

I am wondering if there is any legitimate reason someone would have this or if it was stolen from a cemetery.

The guy I bought it from got it from clearing out an old house, so I don't know if he had any idea what it was.

 

Ohhh, I couldn't read what it says on the left side before; now I see it is "Preserved By County Commission" plus a couple of numbers.

 

Here is link to a site selling them.
http://www.eagleflag.com/gm_wwII.htm

 

How big is it? A grave marker sounds unlikely.

 

Known as a 'Ruptured duck'. Anyone could've had it for any legitimate reason.
Perhaps donate it to a local cemetery that has a grave missing one?

 

It looks like it screws on to a support rod.

 

That linked site must be using a steam powered server, after a couple of minutes a tiny part of a page had loaded.

 

Interesting, it loads really fast for me.

 

Ha!!!

 

Hi,
I remember back in the 1970s a local graveyard switched to flat headstones and markers to make mowing easier. They took all the bronze military flag staffs and had them melted down for scrap. It was a big scandal at the time. They sent out notices for people to pay for the new flat markers and if they did not or could not be contacted they got a flat piece of plain marble. I paid for a couple of the marble slabs to be carved. They were an old couple I knew that had no relations to pay for them. It was so sad.
greg

 

I doubt it's from a cemetery because it looks never used. I haven't followed the links to see the value but I'd list it with a low priced BIN and let it ride. It would also make for an interesting yard ornament for those with military inspiration. Problem is: most of the WWII vets are no longer with us, so the interest in this item may be waning.

 

Thanks Greg.
This could be mounted on or inset to marble or something similar.

 

If anything, I think it was already being used as "yard art" because the back is so well preserved. After reading Greg's sad story, I don't know what to say!

 

Of the 16 million that served it is estimated that some 620,000 may still be with us.

 

No kiddding, thanks King. --Well THAT gives some hope for a sale!

 

Whatever you decide please let me know for my uncle was a Marine serving in the hell of the S Pacific in WWII.

 

Right. It sits on a rod that goes into the ground.

 

I think it's definitely used. I've looked at unused ones and the casting appears more defined and crisp as if the one I have has been out in the weather for a while. IDK if it was used in a cemetery, but I thought was the sole purpose of them so I assumed it was.

 

Wow, just wow. That's sad. And so kind of you.

 

I guess I assumed there was only one purpose for having one, so I figured there'd be no reason to have one lying around unless ya pilfered it from the local cemetery.

We're a poor coal-mining area, so nothing would surprise me!