Need a Measurement

[Jennison]

If someone has an original A-2 jacket with the typical WWII AAF laundry stamping (see attached example, courtesy of VLJ), would you be kind enough to measure the height of the letter/numbers and let me know the result?

 

[Silver Surfer]

I don't think those are laundry stamping letters and numbers, and they are seen in all sizes. some stenciled, some hand printed. I am of the mind that these liner inscribed numbers and letters were the serial letters and numbers of the aircraft the owner of the jacket was assigned to, and was a crew member of.....or, they were id letters and numbers assigned to individuals upon entering the aaf.

 

[Jennison]

Thanks Vic. I’m only going by what I read on the forum. I certainly believe you in that they’re not laundry IDs, but I’m fairly certain they’re not aircraft numbers (which were typically the last 3 numbers of a plane’s serial number) or numbers assigned to individuals (who were given serial numbers that had more numbers than those in question and no letters (except for the “O” prefix for officers)). So what exactly do those numbers represent then?

 

[coolhandluke]

I don't think those are laundry stamping letters and numbers, and they are seen in all sizes. some stenciled, some hand printed. I am of the mind that these liner inscribed numbers and letters were the serial letters and numbers of the aircraft the owner of the jacket was assigned to, and was a crew member of.....or, they were id letters and numbers assigned to individuals upon entering the aaf.

Vic,

What makes you think that they aren't laundry numbers, since laundry numbers were also used to ID equipment, not just laundered uniforms?

Laundry numbers are composed of the individual's last initial and the last four digits of their issued serial number, which sounds like the latter possibility that you're describing.

 

[leper-colony]

Correct, laundry marking. https://www.strictly-gi.com/article/guide-to-marking-uniforms-and-equipment-with-laundry-numbers/

 

[Jennison]

Fantastic! Thanks very much. Is there a common height for these stamps? 1/4” maybe? Actually, I just read that the stencils are 1/2”, but the ones in the photo I attached look smaller. Good enough.

 

[coolhandluke]

Just a thought, but the easiest "correct" option might be to purchase a custom cut oil board from MASH. They should be able to die cut whatever custom text that you want as long as the numeral 5 is not used.

Stencil Set - Application Form

 

[leper-colony]

The size varies. Kinda like not one font and height for leather name tags. marking kits would be a PX item.

 

[coolhandluke]

Fantastic! Thanks very much. Is there a common height for these stamps? 1/4” maybe? Actually, I just read that the stencils are 1/2”, but the ones in the photo I attached look smaller. Good enough.

The stamps shown in your original post are likely either 3/8" or 1/2" (based on the spec label being approx 1 1/4" tall). As @Silver Surfer and @leper-colony pointed out, there was no standardized font or size. You run across stamps and stencils of varying fonts and sizes, and most often handwritten laundry numbers.

If I were to recommend a stamp or stencil size, 1/2" should look perfectly acceptable as long as it's a period correct font.

 

[coolhandluke]

Assuming the font isn't too modern, you can purchase Com-Pac clothing marking kits on eBay. Just make sure you purchase the version that has both letters and numerals.

 

[coolhandluke]

...and to add supporting info to the earlier discussion. Below are photos of what looks to be a '50's era USAF stamp kit, showing the laundry number being a combination of the member's last initial and last four digits of their USAF serial. The stamp posted by Leper-Colony looks more appropriate for a WWII era utilized font IMO.