Any markings for .30/.50 ammo cans? I looked in the decal sections on this site Peddinghaus has a Sherman set (the second picture) that has markings for three US and two French Shermans

On the right of the sheet,I saw some ration box markings I saw what may be ammo box markings just below the ration box markings I can't make out what they say though

Chad

Hi Chad
About 3 months ago I purchased a set of markings made by "Quatermaster's Depot" No:48011 which has 40. 30cal & 40. 50cal stencils on one sheet measuring 2in X 2in. It is very small but of excellent quality, I purchased mine from Parabellum in the U.K it cost £5.95.
I hope this is of help
Richard

Richard

Thanks for the info I have the 1/35 version of that set I didn't know it was made in 1/48

Chad

Chad:

If you are not having any luck finding decals you can create the impression of the lettering with paint. The actual lettering was usually yellow, but sometimes white, and was none to carefully stenciled on the side of the can indicating the contents, something like:

.30 Cal. Ball M2, Linked
250 Rounds
Lot FA29716348

The data in the lettering will vary with the contents and the location it was applied. The letters themselves are simple stenciled characters about 5/8 inch high and are often blurred, so a group of tiny dots and lines looks pretty good unless you get really close.

Factoids: my dad always said that when he was in Burma you had to pull and replace rounds to get a mixed belt (Ball, Ball, Ball, Tracer, AP) if you could not trade with somebody to get pre-linked aircraft belt, so I don't think you have to worry to much if you have the 'right' stenciling if you find a legible decal as long as it is credible for the size of ammo can (the big ones are 100 rounds of .50 and the little ones are 250 rounds of .30). Also, in WWII the cans were corrugated on the sides and the .50 cans actually hinged along the side. Many do not know this but early in the war the .30 cans were actually wooden boxes and were slotted so they could be slid into the holder on the water cooled .30 mount. Each one was made of 7/16” thick clear oak boards nicely dovetailed on the corners, and had a nifty brass flush catch you pushed to open. Metal or wood they were all painted OD. The wooden ones were re-used so they were not typically stenciled. Oh, and for something really interesting, the .30 ammo was in simple cloth belts for much of the early part of the war.

Konrad