DEADLINE222
Well-Known Member
Not just with bomb casings, but with all ordnace; to me, more than half the fun of bringing home something new is to research the manufacturing history when possible.
But specifically, I am interested in what manufacturer markings/codes you collectors have found on your casings.
I am particularly fascinated with A.O. Smith out of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I am given to understand that they made bomb casings throughout World War 1,2 and beyond.
The majority of my reasearch has been done on the World War 1 Mark series bombs, in which I have several in need of restoration. I have seen several poor pictures of originally pained Mark series bombs, but nothing clear enough to allow reference for a restoration. One of my finds had the original markings under some brushed on paint, but earlier in my collecting days, I made no effort to preserve them.
Becasue of my fixation on the early Mark series bombs, until the past week I was oblivious to the lot number stampings on my 1945 dated ANM-64A1, 500 pound casing, which clearly reads A-O-S for "A.O. Smith".
I would love to hear what you know and see what you have concerning this topic.
Here is a picture of my first Mark III years ago. If I knew what was under the poorly applied paint I stripped off, I may have been able to save this original paint.
But specifically, I am interested in what manufacturer markings/codes you collectors have found on your casings.
I am particularly fascinated with A.O. Smith out of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I am given to understand that they made bomb casings throughout World War 1,2 and beyond.
The majority of my reasearch has been done on the World War 1 Mark series bombs, in which I have several in need of restoration. I have seen several poor pictures of originally pained Mark series bombs, but nothing clear enough to allow reference for a restoration. One of my finds had the original markings under some brushed on paint, but earlier in my collecting days, I made no effort to preserve them.
Becasue of my fixation on the early Mark series bombs, until the past week I was oblivious to the lot number stampings on my 1945 dated ANM-64A1, 500 pound casing, which clearly reads A-O-S for "A.O. Smith".
I would love to hear what you know and see what you have concerning this topic.
Here is a picture of my first Mark III years ago. If I knew what was under the poorly applied paint I stripped off, I may have been able to save this original paint.
