MLU FORUM - Sold: M3 Tank Nomenclature plate, used

If only data plates could talk.....

Mike Cecil wrote:

Quote:

“Plate is s/n 4047. And it came from a tank that was supplied to Australian forces if that helps with your database. It was actually ‘repurposed’ as a tingle for a wooden hulled boat, hence the two extra holes – they packed a lot of caulk behind it and bolted it over a hole in the hull. I think it’s what it survived so well. I spotted it by complete accident where the boat was in a yard with a lot of other junk, and was curious as it was obviously a cast bronze plate. When I unbolted it, the true origin was revealed."

Joe DeMarco wrote:

Quote:

“S/N 4047 would have been accepted in June, 1942. I don’t have any docs that give both the Serial & USA Numbers together for this Production Order, so can only make an educated guess that it was USA 3010682. At this point the side doors are seen either welded up or eliminated. Also ventilators were added on the hull & turret, and stowage boxes were factory installed. It would appear that “RZC” is stamped in the boxes at the lower right of these dataplates. Just guessing that these were the initials of the Army inspector who accepted these tanks from Chrysler.”