I used to hunt militaria around antique stores or flea markets. In these place there are chances to find nice things at amazing low price. Recent days, I found an M-1945 Cargo Pack in a vintage store which sells old bedding articles, clothes and hats. Most of these are made in period of 1980s to 1990s, all of the goods are China made, except this Cargo Pack. I picked it up in a reasonable price about 160 RMB (approx. $24).
Judging by the stitch traces and pinholes, this pack is modified from “M-1944” Cargo Pack. The storekeeper said she didn’t know much about it, years ago she got it from Anshan, Liaoning Province, Anshan (鞍山) is a city borders North Korea. Immediately, I realized that this pack must be captured as a booty from the US Army during the Korean War, by People’s Volunteer Army (PVA). Its new owner took it from North Korea, went back to China Mainland, retired from the military. And decades past, finally, I bought it.
It’s not the most valuable item I’ve got, nor the oldest one. But for a US militaria collector, and a veteran retired from People’s Liberation Army (PLA), it may be the most meaning full one to me.