Navy Grip Strap Markings

maddog350gt · 01-18-2010, 12:27 AM

tau-delt;

I have 1908 Navy 5414b, it is unit marked;

ISB
371

The unit marks are all hand stamped on this one. I might be wrong but I think the unit marks were applied by the receiving unit so each organization could have a different method. Most WWII Navy markings are engraved; I am not sure about the WWI guns. My earlier 1906 is marked;

IITD
225

And is definitely engraved, but that gun is restored. It's my understanding that the restorer only refreshed the markings that were on the gun, but I can't tell for sure if the original marking was roll stamped, engraved or hand stamped. I would guess that with the large number of guns issued by WW if anyone had engraving capability it would have been in one of the larger unit armories.

I would be interested in what others have to say. I am looking at another Navy (1906 1st issue altered) that is unit marked but I saw it a couple of months ago and I can't remember with any certainty how the unit marking was done? If I get it I'll post some pictures.

I guess I really didn't help much but maybe you'll get some other answers from more knowledgeable people. I would check my Navy book but I can't seem to find it.
Bye the way I got your letter Saturday and will get something back to you soon.
Bob M.

01-18-2010, 12:27 AM	#2
maddog350gt User Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Washougal WA Posts: 170 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	tau-delt; I have 1908 Navy 5414b, it is unit marked; ISB 371 The unit marks are all hand stamped on this one. I might be wrong but I think the unit marks were applied by the receiving unit so each organization could have a different method. Most WWII Navy markings are engraved; I am not sure about the WWI guns. My earlier 1906 is marked; IITD 225 And is definitely engraved, but that gun is restored. It's my understanding that the restorer only refreshed the markings that were on the gun, but I can't tell for sure if the original marking was roll stamped, engraved or hand stamped. I would guess that with the large number of guns issued by WW if anyone had engraving capability it would have been in one of the larger unit armories. I would be interested in what others have to say. I am looking at another Navy (1906 1st issue altered) that is unit marked but I saw it a couple of months ago and I can't remember with any certainty how the unit marking was done? If I get it I'll post some pictures. I guess I really didn't help much but maybe you'll get some other answers from more knowledgeable people. I would check my Navy book but I can't seem to find it. Bye the way I got your letter Saturday and will get something back to you soon. Bob M.