Serial number question

[walt33]

When looking at the serial number database here for M38A1 I've noticed something odd with the SN on my M38A1Cs dataplates. The delivery date is 1/54 and the serial number is MD43260. These don't seem to match up with what I see in the database. In the database a SN aournd 40000 would correpond to a early 53 delivery date. Early 54 seem to have numbers around 70000. It's stamped pretty clearly although the SN is stamped much heavier than the delivery date, and it doesn't look like anything has been stamped twice. Any ideas on this?

[wesk]

You should post a photo of the serial plate so we can see what it looks like.

Bottom line though the serial number MD43260 is a late Feb or early Mar 53 unit.

1954 units start around MD703XX Jan 54 and run through MD783XX Dec 54

So it is obvious that someone after the jeep left Willys tampered with the serial/DOD.

[TomM]

Do we have info on other M38A1C deliveries? The serial number was stamped on the line but how long did it take to outfit the 106 and get the works inspected/delivered?

[wesk]

Not a year Tom. The field mod kit is a simple 3 day job at the motor pool.

[walt33]

Here is the data plate. The SN is stamped much deeper. I looked closely but didn't see any fainter numbers under the SN, but there are some scratches on that line that seem suspicious. Unfortunately the tub isn't where I can check it now, but from my memory it does have a number in the 70xxxx range. This is one of the M38A1Cs that were brought back from Greece so who knows what all has been switched around in last 50 years.



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[wesk]

That's an obvious overstamp. The old number was sanded and hammered from the back and then came the heavy number stamp set and the 9 Oz ball pean.

The Greek units saw a very long and hard service life and a lot of repairs were made without the advantage of a nice spare parts stock in their logistic system.

We don't have anything gospel on factory A1C production. Most data points towards their conversions being done at the Watervliet Arsenal back then.

[walt33]

Yes it does look like it has had a hard life. It may have escaped civilian Bubbas but their military cousins are pretty creative with welders and and other fixes too.

[TomM]

"The old number was sanded and hammered from the back" - only way to tell is by seeing the rivets from behind.

BUT that plate was done with some care otherwise the sanding would have taken off a lot of black. The borders of the stamp area are still sharp. There was probably a reason for the care. That reason ranging from the 106 installation to someone trying to hide a lost or found vehicle.

[walt33]

I touched up the plates with black. Originally there was a lot more brass exposed. I didn't really pay much attention to the rivets when I did it but all the plates were still riveted.

[TomM]

Good job on the touchup! Had me fooled.

[walt33]

Thanks. I'm pretty happy the way they turned out. It doesn't look brand new but it's a lot better than they were before.

I checked the number on the tub, It's MD70210

[wesk]

I'd look for a new data plate and mark the new plate 70210

[TomM]

Unless its already titled as 48260.