Chest hardware
The hardware is close, but not the same, as the WW2 No.15 sniper rifle chest and CNo.7 .22 rifle transit chest. The steel strapping on the hasp is lighter gauge than the previous, and this is more evident where the material loops around the hinge pin and is riveted underneath. The rotating keepers are also strapping bent around the vertical pivot.
On the other examples, the material is thicker and the keepers are small castings. Interesting from a manufacturing technique and production control point of view. The pieces meet the function test by using other materials. Likely cheaper too. I suspect the industrial capacity for the original style of hardware was busy making something else had a higher priority. The boxes still needed fittings, and a less-well-equipped business got the contract, with sufficient easements to the specifications.
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Terry Warner
- 74-????? M151A2
- 70-08876 M38A1
- 53-71233 M100CDN trailer
Beware! The Green Disease walks among us!
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