Image 1 — Kodak VPK owner research
Image 2 — Kodak VPK owner research
Image 3 — Kodak VPK owner research
Image 4 — Kodak VPK owner research
Image 5 — Kodak VPK owner research
Image 6 — Kodak VPK owner research
Image 7 — Kodak VPK owner research
Image 8 — Kodak VPK owner research
Image 9 — Kodak VPK owner research
Image 10 — Kodak VPK owner research
Image 11 — Kodak VPK owner research
Image 12 — Kodak VPK owner research
▲ 9 r/ww1

Kodak VPK owner research

I’m an avid Kodak camera collector.
I received this camera with case a couple years ago. Only recently, I decided to devote some time to research the original owner.

The camera pictured is a Kodak Vest Pocket Autographic in 127 film. This particular variation was made from 1915-1919. It was heavily advertised as the “Soldier’s Camera” during The Great War. It was a great success selling over 1.75 million.
So, the inscription that appears on the back of the leather case that was made specifically for this camera reads…

R. SAPP
2nd Ambulance
Co

My research has revealed that the the original owner’s full name is:

Ray Lorenzo Sapp of Mount Vernon, OH.
An ambulance driver during WWI.
He was born on 28 Apr 1887 and passed on 22 Feb 1962 at the age of 74.

The following pictures I’m attaching were taken from Find A Grave and highlight his time in France and Belgium.
Evidently, he kept a detailed diary of his time and it’s available in a book form.

u/503rd-MP — 1 day ago

Sporterized Swiss Model 1911 rifle

I went to the local Cabela's here in Louisville just to check out whatever military surplus they had. I came across a sporterized Swiss Model 1911 that had '.308 Win' stamped into the rear sight base. The tag read that they were unable to verify the caliber. Does that strike you as irresponsible as a seller of firearms not to have done their due diligence in determining the caliber, especially as a national chain? The price wasn't cheap either. Your thoughts?

reddit.com
u/503rd-MP — 1 month ago

eBay auction woes. Need opinions from the court of public opinions

I purchased a BIN auction on eBay from Trainz.com. It was not an expensive item. It completely mis-identified, but I knew what I was looking at as a collector of over 40 years. It is a model that was missing from my collection and purchased it. It is not that common of a camera.

Upon arrival it was missing a crucial part the held the viewfinder lens in. It is present in the auction photos, but missing upon arrival. I notified them after searching the box's contents.

Here is our conversation between me and customer service...

We scan and review messages for fraud, policy violations, and to surface relevant service-related help. Learn more

eBay.ai has been enabled

Today

Buyer's remorse? Are you kidding me? It was missing a part that ruined the value of the camera. It was YOUR FAULT that it was missing! It is clearly present in the auction photos and then missing upon arrival. This has nothing to do with buyer's remorse and everything to do with you sending me a camera that was incomplete. Had it been complete, I would have kept it. You clearly did not even know what you were selling. The description in the auction was not even close to the actual model description I purchased. This is not over.

6:36 AM

Dear Michael,As previously advised, for buyer's remorse cases, the customer will have to cover the return shipping cost for a full refund.If you need further assistance please let us know and we will be glad to help.In Your Service,IrisCustomer ServiceXS[[741845591][HTJZM61ELE8YR]]

11:33 PM

I saw that I was refunded the original amount. Thank you. Now, what about the amount I spent shipping the camera back to you?

12:17 PM

Jun 5, 2026

Dear Michael,Thank you for your patience.We have issued a refund of $25.02 to your original form of payment for the Kodak No. 2A Vintage Brownie Model B Box Camera, as you requested.If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out.Thank you for your business, and we look forward to serving you again in the future.In Your Service,FrankieCustomer ServiceXS[[741802185][HTJZM61ELE8YR]]

11:06 AM

Thanks for letting us know, Michael.In Your Service,JessicaCustomer ServiceXS[[741487216][HTJZM61ELE8YR]]

9:49 AM

Gotcha. I will be returning the camera in the box that it came in along with the same packing material and the invoice you sent. Hopefully, there will be no problems.

6:52 AM

Jun 3, 2026

Dear Michael,We will let you know as soon as it is received and the refund is processed.We understand your situation, and your return request has been approved. Your Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number is 699956447. Please write this number on the outside of the box.Inside the box, include:1. Your name, address, phone number, and email address2. A copy of your order (if available)Return Address:Trainz4195 Industry WayFlowery Branch, GA 30542RMA# 699956447-COLPlease use only packing paper and bubble wrap to protect the item. Do not use Styrofoam peanuts or other miscellaneous padding materials.All returned items are inspected by our Returns Department before repair, refund, or replacement.Refunds: credits will be issued to the original form of payment within 1–3 business days after the item is received and processed.Gift Card Purchases:If you used a gift card to purchase your item, the refund will be applied back to the gift card. If you no longer have the original gift card, please notify us before the refund is issued so we can arrange an alternate solution. Refunds can only be issued once.Thank you for your business. If you need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out.In Your Service,FrankieCustomer ServiceXS[[741435520][HTJZM61ELE8YR]]

4:31 AM

I will be sending it back. I will let you know when I send it.Just so you know, the correct description for this camera is "Premo No. 323 Box 4 x 5 Film Pack" and not the one you originally listed.

10:31 AM

Hi Michael,You will be responsible for the return shipping, but once we receive the item back, you will receive a full refund of the item and the original shipping cost.Please let us know if you need further assistance.In Your Service,CidCustomer ServiceXS[[741323619][HTJZM61ELE8YR]]

8:49 AM

Am I ultimately responsible for the cost of return shipping or will I be reimbursed?

7:38 AM

Jun 2, 2026

Hello Michael,As this was sold in AS-IS condition, you are free to return the item, but we would not be able to provide a return label to do so. If you do wish to return it let us know, and we will send return instructions.In Your Service,FrankieCustomer ServiceXS[[741304963][HTJZM61ELE8YR]]

7:04 AM

Well, I know you have a no return policy, but it’s not my fault that the piece is missing. I would not have bought the camera if I knew the piece was missing. Finding a replacement is virtually impossible. I would have to buy a donor camera to do so. Your offer of 15% is not really helpful for a camera missing a part that is extremely hard to find or replace. So, where does this leave us?

11:53 AM

Dear Michael,Thanks for reaching out, and we are sorry to hear of the issue with the item received. Unfortunately, we cannot locate the missing piece. To make this right, we can offer a 15% adjustment. Let us know if this is acceptable, and we will have it processed.Let us know if you have any questions.In Your Service,FrankieCustomer ServiceXS[[741169430][HTJZM61ELE8YR]]

11:05 AM

Jun 1, 2026

Hello. The camera arrived and is missing a part. It is the metal ring that holds the lens in for landscape shots. It’s on the camera in the auction photos. It appears in the second photo. I’ve included a picture of the camera with it missing. I’ve searched the box and packing and it is not to be found.

So, am I wrong in continuing to ask to be compensated for the cost of shipping the camera back to them?

u/503rd-MP — 3 months ago
▲ 18 r/milsurp

Rifle grenade firing

Has anyone fired a rifle grenade off of any of their milsurp rifles? I had a spigot that fit the British No4 Mk 2 rifle and found a box of original .303 cartridges. I had a ball at the range. The range at Knob Creek in West Point, KY is about 325 yards long. With the butt in the dirt and the rifle at a 45 degree angle, I slide the projectile at maximum setting. It would send a US M31 practice grenade the entire distance. It is a pretty impressive event. The very first time I shot it, I placed my knee against the butt plate thinking that it was necessary. Yikes!! Never did that again. Never shoulder-fired it, only from the ground.

reddit.com
u/503rd-MP — 3 months ago
▲ 1.8k r/MassEffectMemes+1 crossposts

Fordite from the Corvette Plant. I knocked this chunk off of the paint carriage that held the body panels in the early 2000's.

u/503rd-MP — 3 months ago

Food Truck at 1231 Algonquin Pkwy

I was driving by it last Derby Saturday and decided to stop in. I got the Burger Box and it was actually pretty good. The burgers were very tasty and filled me up. They have other stuff on the menu. If I’m down that way again, I’m trying something else.

u/503rd-MP — 3 months ago

Rose Breasted Grosbeak

I know Spring migration is in full swing. This little guy has been burning up my camera feeder. It’s filled with nothing but safflower seeds. I’ve honestly never seen this species before in Kentucky. I live in Hikes Point. Is this guy off his migration route? He’s very striking to see in person.

u/503rd-MP — 3 months ago