COMMONWEALTH WWII UNIFORMS & GROUPS

#BS173 1944 Tank Crew "Pixie" Suit  

Original WWII British / Canadian 1944 tank crew "Pixie" oversuit. Iconic uniform item that was used from Normandy through  North West Europe. Heavyweight light khaki-coloured oversuit, features two rows of zipper fastening from throat to ankles & seven external patch pockets. Adjustment tabs are fitted to ankles and cuffs. Internally the suit is lined with khaki wool fabric and is provided with integral support braces. Still has original 1944 wartime dated tag inside the sleeve. Size No. 6, this is a large size that will fit a soldier up to 6ft, 1in to 6ft, 2in and will have no problem fitting on a modern mannequin. Lightly field worn condition with only some minor soiling and a couple small snags. Complete with all snaps and zippers in working order. $795

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#CD307 Indian Airborne Officer's Aertex Shirt 

Original WWII 44th Indian Airborne Division officer's shirt with original insignia for the rank of Lieutenant. The original period applied insignia includes a textbook British airborne wing (Totally correct for the Indian Airborne) and officers pin back pips. The officer has modified the shirt using some material from another shirt to make an additional interior pocket.   The shirt is in excellent lightly worn condition with ink stamps still present. It's missing one button on the collar.  This is a great textbook Indian Airborne officer's shirt which is extremely rare and in great original condition. This would be a good base to complete an Indian Airborne WWII mannequin or display, as the other components would be significantly easier to find. $475

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#BS117 Canadian Infantry Captain's Battle Dress Tunic

Original WWII Canadian battle dress tunic. The only insignia on this tunic is a period applied set of Captain's pips in scarlet representing the infantry branch. C broad arrow marked on the interior. Period worn condition with a snag in the right sleeve. This would be a good tunic for a combat mannequin as often unit titles were stripped during operations for secrecy. Nice infantry officers battle dress tunic. $200

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#BS151 South Africa Battle Dress Tunic

Original WWII South Africa Battle Dress tunic. Nice condition with just some small snags on the lower right sleeve. Tunic doesn't appear to have ever had any badges. Good mannequin size. $250

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#BS119 British Army Chaplin's Sash with Ribbons

Original WWII British Army Chaplain's sash with ribbons from WWI and WWII including the Africa ribbon with 1st Army badge. Very good condition showing some genuine wear, the owners initials are on the tag and it could be possible to determine who it belonged to with research. $450

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#BS152 1943 Canadian Leather Jerkin size Medium

Original WWII Canadian leather jerkin dated 1943 in size medium. Top condition example without any flaws, cannot be upgraded. Iconic item for any WWII Commonwealth uniform collection, and often seen in wear in period photos.  Perfect mannequin size, we have an identical one in our collection on a mannequin. $250

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#DC3 British Paratrooper Jump Over Smock

Original WWII British paratrooper jump over smock. This smock was designed to be worn over the paratrooper and all their equipment, and often discarded once on the ground. This example is in stone mint condition in a good large size 6 with original factory tag and 1945 date. $275

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#CD277 Dispatch Rider Foul Weather Bib Coveralls

Original WWII Dispatch Rider foul weather bib coveralls.  Constructed of heavy duty waterproof material to protect against mud and rain, with bib at front to keep the elements from going in the coat / jacket. Worn on their own or with the Dispatch Rider foul weather jacket. Near the leg seem there is a maker mark and they are dated 1941 upon close inspection of the seem.  This is the only example we've ever encountered, uncommon Dispatch Rider uniform item. $100

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#CD257 RCAF Airman Grouping "E.W. Chambers"

Original WWII Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) grouping to Airman E.W. Chambers. The group includes a single identification disc on the original neck string, three "Canada" shoulder titles with one being the printed canvas type produced in England, two Leading Aircraftman insignia, tiny RCAF emblem, RCAF Christmas card, New Testament, Registration Certificate with Chambers information, and personalized blue notebook with some paper still in it. Potential research project, we haven't done any further research since obtaining it. Nice affordable RCAF Airman group. $150

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#CD259 RCAF Pilot Grouping "Bruce E. Betcher"

Original WWII Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) pilot grouping to Bruce E. Betcher. This small grouping was obtained from the veterans son in the 1990's by the consignor, and includes some correspondence. The group includes Betcher's flight training manual, a rare set of "Canada" and "USA" titles, and a reproduced wartime photo. Potential research project, we haven't done any further research since obtaining it. Nice affordable RCAF pilot group. $150

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#CD241 RCAF & 48th Highlanders Bandsman Grouping

Original WWII grouping to a Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Bandsman who was later in the 48th Highlanders band after the war. The grouping includes a really nice badged khaki drill jacket with tie and belt, RCAF pillow case and hanker-chief,  RCAF grey sporran, housewife, button polisher, and various buttons and 48th Highlanders cap badges. Also included is a photo of the bandsman who it belonged to, the sporran is named but we haven't done any research past what is presented here.  This has potential for more research. Great group with a really nice bandsman KD jacket and other cool accessories. $225

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#CD326 Canadian Army Tank Top Shirt

Original WWII Canadian Army standard issue tank top shirt.  Also used by other branches.  Nice and uncommon shirt to complete your Canadian uniform collection. Looks to be standard period size Medium. $50

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#CD244 British Aertex Shirt for a RAF / RCAF Second Lieutenant

Original WWII British "Aertex" fabric shirt with period applied insignia for a RAF / RCAF Second Lieutenant. Excellent condition with original maker markings present inside the collar. Missing one pocket button that can be easily replaced. $125

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#DW24 Tan HBT Utility Shirt 

Original WWII tan HBT utility shirt worn by Canadian soldiers in Italy. Consignor reports this shirt came from a Canadian soldier who reported he wore it in the Italian theatre, and it is believed some shirts were acquired from American stores for service there. Construction is consistent with WWII American uniform items, making use of chain stitching for the main seems. Similar British made shirts also exist, and we have priced this shirt in line with the British examples.  This is the only US example we've encountered. Field worn with some minor fading, a snag in the rear of the garment has been period repaired and shown in the photos. $100

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#CD239 Australian Army Khaki Drill Shorts

Original WWII Australian Army khaki drill shorts. Excellent condition, very lightly worn if at all. Factory stamps still present on the interior as shown. Size 2. $50

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#CD238 Australian RAAF Shorts 

Original WWII Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) shorts. Mint unissued pair with original paper tag still attached. Made in Australian in 1944. Size "1.L." for 32" waste. $100

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#DW24 RCN Jumper Uniform Group "C.L. CRISSEN"

Original WWII Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) uniform group. The grouping includes; Blue wool jumper with "CANADA" titles and RCN Stoker Petty Officer badge, and is named "C.L. CRISSEN" in typical period stencilling. RCN blue square rig "Dickey". RCN white Dickey bib. RCN gunner's white cotton jumper shirt. RCN naval tie. RCN "Donald Duck" cap with HMCS talley, maker marked and dated 1944 on the interior. This is an excellent complete uniform group that looks great on a mannequin bust and is very representative of what the RCN wore during WWII. $475

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#DW5 RCAF Uniform Group, Flight Lieutenant T. Irwin

Original WWII Canadian RCAF tunic and officers visor cap grouping.  This grouping belonged 425 Squadron RCAF Flight Lieutenant T. Irwin, observer on a Wellington Bomber HE-733, shot down April 14 1943, over Stuttgart Germany and taken prisoner of war. The tunic is named to Irwin inside the pocket, shown in the photos. This information is included with the group on a printed sheet but beyond that we have not done any further research. The dress tunic features original applied padded Observers Wings, Canada titles, and each cuff has two white and blue stripes for the rank of Flight Lieutenant. The visor cap is in good condition showing similar light wear to the jacket with finely hand embroidered RCAF cap badge. Nice set with interesting provenance in great condition that would display well. $750 

#BS147 RN / RCN White Shoes

Original WWII Royal Navy (RN) or Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) white uniform dress shoes. Maker marked and dated 1942. Size 7. Good service used pair with original laces. $125

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#BS24 Canadian 1942 'Plimsolls' 

Nice matching pair of Canadian manufactured 'Plimsolls' canvas shoes. These were the standard issue PT / gym shoes in khaki for the Army. Manufactured by Dominion Rubber Co. Ltd. in 1942 and marked accordingly on the interior sole of the show. The bottom sole of the shoes are also C broad arrow marked. Perfect matching pair of Plimsoll's that would be very tough to upgrade. No laces present. $125

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#BS15 British / Canadian Army Officers Boots

British / Canadian Army officers boots with buckles. Manufactured by John White in 1945, M Fitt, Size 8. War department marked. Super nice condition without flaw and only lightly worn. Shown in use by members of 1 Canadian Parachute Battalion in Germany. This is the perfect set to complete your officer mannequin or display. $425

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#BSB1 CQMS / Staff Sergeant Walter Hachborn of Home Hardware Fame Group

A large grouping to CQMS / Staff Sergeant Walter Hachborn of Home Hardware fame. He was born in Conestoga, Ontario on 24 July 1921. In 1939, at the age of 18, Walter enlisted and became a member of the Royal Canadian Ordnance Corps in Canada. During the war, Walter's experience in Canada with material supply deemed him too important to be sent overseas to serve on the front lines.  This experience is what would also ultimately allow him to co-found a hardware empire.  The group consists of two wartime (1945) dated battle dress jackets and trousers and a summer khaki drill four pocket service dress. All uniforms have Canadian Voluntary Service Medal ribbons, RCOC shoulder titles, CANADA patches, rank insignia, Trade 2 patch, General Service patch and service stripes. There are also two additional shirts. Group also comes with two RCOC Coloured Field Service Caps and a standard khaki “wedge” cap. There is also an assortment of webbing (37 ptn belt, spats and housewife) and insignia to include a RCOC lanyard and insignia related to the sea cadets. Walter remained in the Army until 1946 when on returning to civie life he began work at Hollinger Hardware in St, Jacobs, Ontario. It will be his experience there that led to his desire to create a hardware empire. In 1999 he was appointed Member of the Order of Canada for “outstanding achievements and service in various fields of human endeavour.” Walter died on 16 December 2016.  Group was purchased direct from the family by consignor. A very interesting and unique group to a famous Canadian.  $2250 *REDUCED* $2000

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One of many tributes to Walter including some interesting photos:

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SOLD

#CD340 Attributed 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion Battle Dress Group

Original WWII 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion Battle Dress uniform worn by Pte Samuel Lange. Prior to enlisting, Samuel was a Canadian of German descent who was a prospector and miner by trade. Samuel volunteered for service on 28th of October, 1943, at age 27. On 12 January 1944 Pte Lange was transferred to the A-35 Canadian Parachute Centre, Camp Shilo, Manitoba. He received his Parachutist qualifications one month later and on June 1, 1944, he qualified as a 3" Mortarman. On July 8th, 1944 Pte Lange embarked for the UK to "proceed on special duty". Once overseas, he was assigned to the 1 Canadian Parachute Training Company (1CPTC) where was put to work as a Mortarman instructor. This is the exact uniform worn in the photo of Pte Lange when he married his beautiful wife at the end of hostilities, as well as in the portrait of him. We suspect based on the fantastic condition of this uniform it must have been very carefully stored perhaps with his wife's wedding dress in the post-war years. The desirable canvas 1CPB titles, Pegasus patches, and genuine wartime Airborne wings are extremely clean and nicely period machine sewn in the expected fashion. The wings on this BD are a "Type 5" English made wing as originally produced and made available for the duration of the war in November 1943, and has been inspected by Ken Joyce in hand. This textbook attributed and period photographed uniform set is the best condition example we've handled from the Parachute Battalion, and from an interesting member of this unit. *Sold*

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Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry Battle Dress Tunic

Original WWII 1st Canadian Division PPCLI Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry battle dress tunic. Impressive original period backed printed insignia. *Sold*

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1st Canadian Division Royal Canadian Regiment Battle Dress

Original WWII 1st Canadian Division Royal Canadian Regiment battle dress tunic and field service wedge cap group. Canadian made blouse dated 1943 with original applied insignia nicely sunken in exactly how it should be. Field service wedge cap is also in excellent condition with original cap badge. Good mannequin size set, perfect for a display. Excellent lightly worn condition without any notable flaws just showing a but of honest wear. *Sold*

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2nd Canadian Division Calgary Highlanders Battle Dress

Original WWII Canadian Calgary Highlanders battle dress tunic and head dress grouping. Canadian made blouse dated 1944 with original applied insignia nicely sunken in exactly how it should be. Good large mannequin size, perfect for a combat display. Excellent condition set in lightly worn condition without any notable flaws. *Sold*

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1st Canadian Division Signals Sergeant Battle Dress Tunic

Original WWII 1st Canadian Division signals sergeant battle dress tunic. Original period applied insignia including printed 1st Div flash with R.C.C.S. marking (Royal Canadian Corps of Signals), printed Canada titles, overseas bars, and Sergeant rank chevrons. Good mannequin size. Nice honest worn condition, probably a field worn working battle dress, there is no noticeable moth damage or signs or bad storage. Produced in Jan 1943, when looking at the date it could read 43 or mistakingly read 45, however the tunic confirms it is a 43 based on the early collar closure and early buttons. This is a great WWII tunic that very likely saw action in Italy. *Sold*

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Royal Rifles of Canada, Hong Kong and POW Veteran Grouping

Original WWII Canadian grouping that belonged to Rifleman Joseph C. Frenette. Rfn. Frenette fought in Hong Kong in 1941. At the end of the battle he was taken as a prisoner of war until the end of hostilities in 1945, when he arrived home to live the rest of his life. He was one of the survivors who lived through years of cruelty and hard labour at the hands of the Japanese guards. The included photos show Frenette prior to shipping off to Hong Kong (Original photo) a photo showing him in uniform upon being returned to Canada at the end of hostilities (Copy) and a photo of him outside of his home in Victoria B.C. during the 1970's (Original photo). Also included in the grouping is Frenette's cap, with cap badge and backing. When this group was acquired from the family by another collector, Frenette's wife stated he had this cap with him in the POW camp, however it is in surprisingly good condition if that is the case(?). Frenette's rare and nice Royal Rifles of Canada lanyard. Frenette's uniform removed Royal Rifles of Canada shoulder title, as well as golden thread 'CANADA' title which seem to appear only in Hong Kong groupings but not much is currently known about these rare titles. Frenette's uniform removed overseas bars including the 39'r bar. And most exciting, Frenette's uniform removed Hong Kong patch and very rare Hong Kong pin/button (All of this insignia is shown in wear in the photo from the end of the war!). These kind of groupings to soldiers who survived famous battles and captivity are extremely uncommon, Hong Kong groups rarely ever come around and this one includes a nice cap as well as very rare insignia items. *Sold*

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Pte Nauss #51550 Named Battle Dress Grouping, 1 Canadian Army HQ

Original WWII Canadian Battle Dress grouping of Pte. Nauss #51550. Pte Nauss landed in France in July 1944 and was a driver attached to the Lincoln & Welland Regiment until April 1945 when he ended up with 1 Canadian Army Headquarters. This battle dress represents his time with 1 Cdn Army HQ. Pte Nauss would have been involved with moving troops to some tough battles. The group includes his battle dress blouse, trousers, and a letter found within one of the pockets. His battle dress blouse is appropriately 1944 dated, and his trousers while having faint markings are WWII Canadian issue as well. Both his blouse and trousers are nicely named, which is rather uncommon. All insignia is period applied and everything is completely untouched exactly how it came home. We have a digital copy of his file which will be e-mailed to the buyer, it is shown in the photos. *Sold*

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Glengarrians D-Day Veteran Cpl Darling Grouping

Original WWII Canadian grouping to Glengarrian infantry D-Day veteran Cpl Darling C53800. Cpl Darling departed for England with the Glengarrians in 1941 and took part in the D-Day invasion of Normandy, France on 6 June 1944.  While the unit pushed into France, Cpl Darling was shot in the stomach during a firefight with the Germans.  Once wounded, Cpl Darling required multiple surgeries in England prior to returning home.  The first letter home to his mother Cpl Darling describes the fighting in France one month after landing on D-Day prior to being wounded. The first letter to mom avoids any grim details and talks mostly about the weather and the Canadians strong fighting ability, he says he has good morale thanks to a steady supply of cigarettes. The second letter to his mom he informs her that he is recovering from multiple surgeries to remove a bullet from his stomach. Reading the second letters it seems Cpl Darling is somewhat relieved to let his mother know he is going to be okay despite his wounds and he will be returning home alive and well. We found the letters to be very enjoyable to read.  Aside from the important historical letters, there are several other rare artifacts included. The first highlight is a rare and desirable canvas 'GLENGARRIANS CANADA' shoulder title along with his cap badge (one broken lug) and ribbon bar.  The biggest highlight of this group is something we have never encountered before, Cpl Darling was photographed by a Canadian Army photographer holding a captured Nazi armband and this photo was published in a 1945 dated newspaper with an interesting story about how the armband supposedly came from the 'SS trooper' who shot him, and states he 'got him with a grenade'. Is it possible this story is true?  We're not so sure, but what is definitely true is that the included Nazi armband is the EXACT armband he is shown holding in the photo. The armband as a nice original NSDAP armband with machine woven swastika. The group includes everything shown in the above photos. This is a GREAT group that you will enjoy from a real D-Day infantryman who was wounded in direct action defeating the Third Reich.  Fresh out of the woodwork and never in a collection before, came out of shoebox at the families estate that was not opened since the 1950's. *Sold*

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#BS95 3A/T RCA 3rd Canadian Division Battle Dress

Original WWII Canadian 3rd Division 3 Anti-Tank (A/T) Royal Canadian Artillery (RCA) battle dress grouping.  This small unit landed on D-Day with the 3rd Canadian division and fought in the Normandy campaign, there is a fair bit of information published about them. The well sunken down period applied insignia is zig-zag machine sewn and toned to an almost golden colour that really makes the badges look impressive. The battle dress tunic itself is Canadian made and faintly dated 1944. The beret, in matching nice lightly worn condition is also 1944 dated with the original cap badge in place that has never been removed. On this uniform is a twisted red and blue lanyard, we are unsure why it has what may be an RCOC lanyard on it but this is how it was received, the lanyard can be easily removed but we are including it and leaving the decision up to the next owner. This is the ultimate 3rd Division 3 A/T RCA uniform group. *Sold*

#BS116 CANLOAN Lieutenant's King's Own Scottish Borderers Battle Dress

Original WWII battle dress tunic for a Canadian CANLOAN Lieutenant with the King's Own Scottish Borderers. The battle dress tunic itself is a British made example with original tag in Size No. 9 and dated 1945. The original period applied insignia includes scarlet infantry branch Lieutenants pips, Canada titles, and the tartan patch of the King's Own Scottish Borderers to which this Canadian officer was attached. *Sold*

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#CD339 Anti-Aircraft Command Brigadier Major General's Battle Dress Tunic 

Original WWII British Army Anti-Aircraft Command (AA Command, or "Ack-Ack Command") Brigadier Major General's Battle Dress tunic. Privately tailored tunic constructed to the highest quality for the most prestigious look for a senior officer 

including padded shoulders and silk lining, much higher quality than a standard issue tunic for junior ranks.  Original period badged with Brigadier collar tabs and Major General pip and swords sewn directly to the shoulder straps.  Anti-Aircraft Command formation patch originally sewn to each sleeve and full set of ribbons originally hand sewn to the chest. The client who sold us this tunic reports it was purchased on e-bay many years ago with no provenance. It's possible with research there is potential to figure out who it belonged to, since there wouldn't have been many Brigadier Major General's of Anti-Aircraft Command during WWII with these ribbons. A really nice tunic for a high ranking officer of the British Army. *Sold*

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#CD131 5th Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment, RCA Battle Dress Grouping

Original WWII 5th Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment, RCA, battle dress grouping including battle dress tunic, beret, and named gun drill manual for the 40-MM A.A. gun.   The named gun drill manual was in the pocket as we received it, it could be the owners name but we have no way to confirm, it was left entirely as found.  All original wartime machine applied insignia nicely sunken down exactly how it should be.  A great group ready to be displayed from an interesting AA unit. *Sold*

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#CD010 3rd Canadian Division RCA Captain's Battle Dress Tunic

Original WWII 3rd Canadian Division Royal Canadian Artillery (RCA) battle dress tunic. Original period applied insignia including canvas 3rd DIV patches.  Div patches and Canada titles are machine applied. Three overseas bars.  Good mannequin size and nicely marked and dated 1943. Excellent condition showing just some normal period wear, there is no noticeable moth damage or signs of bad storage. This is a nice rare tunic and ready for your Canadian Normandy display, original 3rd Div battle dress are becoming increasingly difficult to find. *Sold*

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#BP18 Canadian Battle Dress Trousers with Suspenders

Original WWII Canadian Battle Dress trousers with original suspenders still attached and never removed. Large size 10 that would be a good fit for a standard modern mannequin. Top condition set without and moth holes or modifications. Nicely marked with C broad arrow, makers information, and 1944 dated. Perfect set. *Sold*

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#BS22 Dispatch Riders Trousers, Excellent Condition

Excellent pair of dispatch riders trousers without flaw. Produced by F.W. Harmer & Co. Ltd. and dated March 1941. Size 10. *Sold*

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