| WORLD WAR TWO RESTORATION PRODUCTS - CRATE STENCILS AND REPLICA CRATES: |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| Nothing makes a WWII display or reenactment-site look more accurate than having piles of equipment and crates piled around. Advancing Armies consume tons of food and ordnance - every day. Crates were and are very common on the battlefield. An advancing vehicle is often piled with everything that the Soldier, Sailor or Marine needed for a period of prolonged detachment - crates of food and ordnance. And when the crate was emptied, it was used for storage, turned into furniture, filled with earth and rock to create a fighting position and then lastly to mail home souvenirs. After many years of research and development, restoring individual items for the museum collection - and after many requests by fans, QuestMasters has decided to offer restoration supplies for the historian, re-enactor and enthusiast. The following crate stencils have been digitally rendered from original examples in the museum collection. Each crate set will include: sides, lid stencils and dimensions of the original crate, as each had been delivered by the Quartermaster Corps or Ordnance Corps during WWII. Replica crates can be easily created from reclaimed wood from modern wood shipping pallets. If there is a stencil or product that we can make for you: WWI, WWII, Home Front, Korean Conflict or Vietnam Conflict, for example - just ask! email: questmasters@hotmail.com Additionally, if there is a specific date, lot number or manufacturer that you are trying to match on a crate, this custom work can also be done at no charge! Just ask for it with your order. No original or replica ordnance is for sale on this page. All ordnance pictured is BATFE compliant, inert. |
| Allied and Axis crate markings were both mechanically or hand applied during World War Two. The United States Woman's Ordnance Workers (WOW's) shown here at Raritan Arsenal, Metuchen, New Jersey are applying repackaging markings to .50 caliber crates using a stencil card and paint. These crates contained .50 Caliber Armor Piercing M2, Frankford Arsenal Lot 644 (1942) and Tracer M1, Frankford Arsenal 622 (1942) How crates were originally produced: First, the Government of the United States would award a contract for a specific type of ordnance, food or equipment. The ordnance, for example, would be manufactured by an Ordnance Works then delivered to a Ordnance Plant for assembly. A Lumber Mill would create the specified crate and ship it to the Arsenal or Ordnance Plant. Then, the crate would be marked with the contents, as specified by the Ordnance Corps. The color of the crate, markings and size of characters were specified for shipment and delivery from the factory to the Army or Navy. The font however, varied from Arsenal or Ordnance Plant, as noted on original existing examples of WWII crates. A factory draftsman would design the font and then it would be machine-paint ink-rolled or applied with a stencil card. The font from one Arsenal or Ordnance Plant will not necessarily match another factory on the other side of the United States, but the markings, placement and colors were very consistent for identification of the contents of the crates. The following stencils have been individually digitally rendered from original crates. Each original stencil has been measured and rendered using the most accurate font and symbols. Each stencil kit will include the dimensions of each piece of original wood that each crate was constructed from so that you can create an accurate replica. |
| How original markings were applied: |
| STENCIL SETS FOR SALE: |
| How they work and what we offer: stencils or paint-mask are machine-cut on adhesive backed vinyl paper, ready to apply as a paint masking. You will be sent a fully cut non-weeded stencil (inner and outer part of letter, number or character). Why? Because of the variations of painting application by the restorer. See the "How To" to apply your stencil: "HOW TO" Shown below are examples of what is currently available. Don't see something listed? Email us for a quote: questmasters@hotmail.com Lot numbers and dates can be changed to match whatever you would like. |
| Stencil C100: |
| The original WWII U.S. Army Field Ration C crate, shown left, does not have any manufacturer markings. Only the end of the crate is marked. The replica, Stencil C100, is shown above. This kit contains only the end stencil. |
| U.S. Army Field Ration C, 8 Rations $10 set or 3 sets for $25 |
| HOW TO ORDER: |
| WWII ENGINEER AND EXPLOSIVE CRATES: |
| Super easy! Send us an email: questmasters@hotmail.com In the email, state which stencil or replica crate you want, by the above Stencil Number and crate number plus how many and your location. We will respond with your total and shipping costs (international orders are welcome). Each stencil is currently custom cut, so if you require a specific Lot Number or Date, please let us know. This service is being done to help the enthusiast (you) help preserve history! Most crate stencils are $10-20 a set and can be ordered in larger quantities for a discount. Payment is by PayPal only. Once the payment is received, the stencil will be cut and mailed within a day or two. Thank you! |
| One of the most recent questions from those ordering stencils is "what paint do I use"? For black, used on Armor Piercing and Black Stencils, I use Krylon Flat Black. For white stenciling, I use Krylon Flat White. For other colors, I use a product developed by TM9 Ordnance Products and sold by Midwest Military https://www.midwestmilitary.com/. They produce the most accurate Lusterless Yellow, which is perfect for early ordnance or the yellow stencil itself, Semi-Gloss Munitions Cans - for the .30 and .50 caliber ammunition can and Olive Drab #8 which is what I use on all of my WWII U.S. ordnance. Model Masters "Big Bad Blue" No. 28127 is the closest match, from a spray can, to WWII Practice Blue. For German ordnance colors, go to https://www.1944militaria.com/ Any latex house paint can also be used to apply crate markings, as shown below. |
| WHAT PAINT DO I USE? |
| Signal Corps Photo SC273148, 93rd Quartermaster Dump, 5th Army, near Maddaloni, Caserta Italy, November 1st 1943 (via National Archives, College Park Maryland), shown above. |
| WWII RATION CRATES |
| Stencil C101: |
| The original WWII U.S. Army Field Ration C crate, shown left, was recovered from Bastogne Belgium in the late 1990's by QuestMasters. The crate is marked on the side to the original manufacturer: Phillips Packaging Company Inc., Cambridge Maryland, and dated January 27th 1944. The replica, Stencil C101, is shown above. This stencil kit includes the side and end stencil. |
| U.S. Army Field Ration C, 8 Rations $10 set or 3 sets for $25 |
| Stencil C102: |
| The original WWII U.S. Army Field Ration K crate, shown left, was mailed back to the United States from France during WWII. The crate is marked on the side to the original manufacturer: Kellogg Company, December 1944 The replica, Stencil C102, is shown above. This stencil kit includes the side and end stencil. |
| U.S. Army Field Ration K, 12 Rations $10 set or 3 sets for $25 |
| Stencil C103: |
| Original WWII Air Crew Lunches crate, shown left. The crate is marked on the side to the original manufacturer: Charms Company, December 1944 The replica, Stencil C103, is shown above. This stencil kit includes the side and end stencil. |
| Air Crew Lunches, 80, December 1944 $10 set or sets 3 for $25 |
| Stencil C104: |
| Original WWII Assorted Fruit Drops Candy crate, shown left. The crate is marked on the side to the original manufacturer: M. Anklam, Saginaw Michigan and dated on the front May 1945. The corners of the crate are painted with green triangles for Quartermaster Corps Class III (Ration items) for overseas shipment. The replica, Stencil C104, is shown above. This stencil kit includes the side and end stencil. |
| Assorted Fruit Drops Candy, 400 Rolls, 1945 $10 set or 3 sets for $25 |
| Stencil C106: |
| Original WWII Hershey Milk Chocolate Bar crate, shown left. The crate is marked on the side to the original manufacturer: Hershey Chocolate Corporation, Pennsylvania October 1944 for 384 Milk Chocolate Bars. The corners of the crate are painted with green triangles with black stripes for Quartermaster Sales (Ration items) for overseas shipment. The replica, Stencil C106, is shown above. This stencil kit includes the side and end stencil. The paper label in this kit is provided as a stencil. |
| Hershey Milk Chocolate Bars, 1944 $15 set or 3 sets for $40 |
| Stencil C105: |
| Original WWII Smoking Tobacco crate, shown left. The crate is marked on the side to the original manufacturer: Pennsylvania Tobacco Company, September 1943 for 100 packs of 2oz Kentucky Club brand Pipe Tobacco. The corners of the crate are painted with green triangles with black stripes for Quartermaster Sales (Ration items) for overseas shipment. The replica, Stencil C105, is shown above. This stencil kit includes the side and end stencil. |
| Smoking Tobacco, 100 2oz Packs, 1943 $15 set or 3 sets for $40 |
| WWII ORDNANCE AND MUNITIONS CRATES |
| WWII GRENADE CRATES: |
| Stencil C107: |
| Original WWII Hand Grenade Mk.II and Mk.IIA1 crate, shown left. This crate is one of the earliest Hand Grenade Crates of WWII, produced during the first year of war. The original designation of the fragmentation (defensive) Hand Grenade developed during WWI was the Mk.I. This design failed before WWI concluded. The next design, the Mk.II is identifiable by the lead filling screw at the bottom of the cast grenade body, utilizing the M10A2 fuze. These grenades were painted ordnance yellow. The crate shown here started out in production as the Mk.II with M10A2 fuze but has been re-marked with the new production variation of the fragmentation Hand Grenade the Mk.IIA1 with M10A3 fuze. The Mk.IIA1 had a solid bottom without a filling screw. Production started with ordnance yellow painted grenades transitioning to olive drab with a yellow band during 1943. The earlier markings have been painted over in black paint with the new October 1942 markings applied. The side stencil is separated in two sections so that a steel banding strap can be attached to the crate for shipment. The stencil is separated so that no markings are obscured when the band is attached. The replica, Stencil C107, is shown above. This stencil kit includes both sides and both end stencils. Both the Mk.II M10A2 and Mk.IIA1 M10A3 stencils are included in this kit. |
| Grenade Mk.II or Mk.IIA1, 1942 $20 set or 3 sets for $50 |
| Stencil C109: |
| Original M-14 Incendiary Hand Grenade Crate, shown left. This crate was manufactured in January 1943 and contained 25 Incendiary (Thermite) M-14 Grenades with M200A1 Fuzes. The crate has the grey with blue corner markings for Chemical Warfare Service overseas shipping. The side stencil is separated in two sections so that a steel banding strap can be attached to the crate for shipment. The stencil is separated so that no markings are obscured when the band is attached. The replica, Stencil C109, is shown above. This stencil kit includes both sides and both end stencils to include the Chemical Warfare Service insignia. |
| Grenade Incendiary M-14, 1943 $20 set or 3 sets for $50 |
| Stencil C111: |
| Original M-21 Practice Hand Grenade Crate, shown left. This S4GGA crate was manufactured in August 1944 and contained 25 Practice M-21 Grenades with M10A3 Fuzes. The crate has the blue band across the center and on each end support denoting practice munitions. The side stencil is separated in two sections so that a steel banding strap can be attached to the crate for shipment. The stencil is separated so that no markings are obscured when the band is attached. The replica, Stencil C111, is shown above. This stencil kit includes both sides, lid and both end stencils to include the Ordnance Corps insignia. |
| Grenade, Practice M-21, 1944 $20 set or 3 sets for $50 |
| Stencil C113: |
| Original M9A1 Rifle Grenade, High Explosive, Crate, shown left. This S4NBC crate was manufactured in August 1945 and contained 10 M9A1 High Explosive Rifle Grenades and boxed cartridges in three different calibers. The side stencil is separated in two sections so that a steel banding strap can be attached to the crate for shipment. The stencil is separated so that no markings are obscured when the band is attached. The replica, Stencil C113, is shown above. This stencil kit includes both sides, both end stencils and lid, to include the Ordnance Corps insignia. |
| Rifle Grenade M9A1 HE, 1944 $20 set or 3 sets for $50 |
| WWII MINE CRATES: |
| Stencil C114: |
| Original M1A1 Anti-Tank Mine, High Explosive, Crate, shown left. This R7AIA crate was manufactured in October 1943 by Elwood Ordnance Plant, Juliet Illinois and contained 5 M1A1 Mines and 5 M1A2 Fuzes. M1 and M1A1 Mine crates were natural wood with black stenciling from the beginning of production through the Autumn of 1943. From the Autumn of 1943 to the end of WWII, the stenciling changed to ordnance yellow paint. This side stencil is not separated in two sections for the provision of a steel banding strap for shipment. The replica, Stencil C114, is shown above. This stencil kit includes both sides, both end stencils and lid, to include the Ordnance Corps insignia. |
| Mine M1A1, Anti-Tank, HE, 1943 $20 set or 3 sets for $50 |
| Stencil C115: |
| Original M1A1 Anti-Tank Mine, High Explosive, Crate, shown left. This R7AIA crate was manufactured in October 1943 by Elwood Ordnance Plant, Juliet Illinois and contained 5 M1A1 Mines and 5 M1A2 Fuzes. M1 and M1A1 Mine crates were natural wood with black stenciling from the beginning of production through the Autumn of 1943. From the Autumn of 1943 to the end of WWII, the stenciling changed to ordnance yellow paint. This side stencil is separated, on this variation, in two sections for the provision of a steel banding strap for shipment. The replica, Stencil C115, is shown above, painted in the pre-Autumn 1943 paint scheme of black paint. This stencil kit includes both sides, both end stencils and lid, to include the Ordnance Corps insignia. |
| Mine M1A1, Anti-Tank, HE, 1943 Split-Stencil Version $20 set or 3 sets for $50 |
| Original WWII M1 and M1A1 Anti-Tank Mines, above photo. The above display was made using original WWII R7AIA crates manufactured Elwood Ordnance Plant, Juliet Illinois. The original M1 and M1A1 Mines are the practice version, restored by QuestMasters as the High Explosive version using the stencils that are available here: Restoration Supplies |
| WWII SMALL-ARMS AMMUNITION CRATES: |
| WWII LARGE CALIBER AMMUNITION CRATES: |
| Stencil C120: |
| Original 57mm Recoilless Rifle, Smoke Shell T23, Crate, shown left. This 57mm Shell crate was manufactured in March 1945 by Picatinny Arsenal, Dover N.J. and contained 4 Cartridges of 57mm T23 (White Phosphorus) Smoke Shells. The 57mm T15E9, re-designated the M18, Recoilless Rifle was operationally introduced to the battlefield in early 1945 and saw service in both Europe and the Pacific. This crate is for the T23, or Test designation version of the early production shell that was later be designated the M308, White Phosphorus Smoke Shell. This side stencil is separated in two sections for the provision of a steel banding strap for shipment. The replica, Stencil C120, is shown above. This stencil kit includes side, both end stencils and lid, to include the Ordnance Corps insignia. |
| 57mm Recoilless Rifle, Smoke (White Phosphorus), 1945 $20 set or 3 sets for $50 |
| Stencil C122: |
| Original 81mm M56 High Explosive Mortar Shell Crate, shown left. This R4FLB Crate was produced by G.R.B.H., Rockford, Illinois in November 1944 for 2 rounds of 81mm M56 High Explosive Shells, made by the Iowa Ordnance Plant, Burlington Iowa, December 1944. The round was used in the 81mm M1 and 3 inch Mk1A2 Mortar. This side stencil is separated in two sections for the provision of a steel banding strap for shipment. The replica, Stencil C122, is shown above. This stencil kit includes side, both end stencils and lid, to include the Ordnance Corps insignia. |
| 81mm M56 Mortar, HE, 1944 $20 set or 3 sets for $50 |
| Stencil C123: |
| Original 4.2 Inch Chemical Mortar, Smoke, White Phosphorus, with M-6 Propellant, shown left. This crate originally contained 2 rounds of 4.2 Inch Chemical Mortar White Phosphorus Shells with M-6 Propellant. This crate was produced August 1945. The crate has the grey with blue corner markings for Chemical Warfare Service overseas shipping. The side stencil is separated in two sections so that a steel banding strap can be attached to the crate for shipment. The stencil is separated so that no markings are obscured when the band is attached. The replica, Stencil C123, is shown above. This stencil kit includes side, both end stencils and lid, to include the Chemical Warfare Service insignia. |
| 4.2 Inch Chemical Mortar, Smoke (White Phosphorus) 1945 $20 set or 3 sets for $50 |
| Stencil C124: |
| Original Pentolite 50/50 Explosive Crate, shown left. This crate Pentolite 50/50 Explosives Crate was produced by the Radford Ordnance Works, Radford Virginia, April 1944. The replica, Stencil C124, is shown above. This stencil kit includes side and end stencil, to include the Ordnance Corps insignia. |
| Pentolite Explosive Crate 1944 $20 set or 3 sets for $50 |
| Stencil C118: |
| Original .50 Caliber Incendiary M1 crate, shown left. This .50 Caliber Incendiary M1 crate (red/yellow band) was produced by Twin Cities Ordnance, Minnesota, Lot 18209 in 1943. The replica, Stencil C118, is shown above. This stencil kit includes both sides, both end stencils and lid, to include the Ordnance Corps insignia. The stencil kit does not include the red/yellow markings, these can be done with masking tape. |
| .50 Caliber, Incendiary M1, 1943 $20 set or 3 sets for $50 |
| Stencil C119: |
| Original .50 Caliber Armor Piercing M2 crate, shown left. This .50 Caliber Armor Piercing M2 (blue/yellow band) crate was produced by Saint Louis Ordnance Plant, Missouri, Lot 8361 in 1942. The replica, Stencil C119, is shown above. This stencil kit includes both sides, both end stencils and lid, to include the Ordnance Corps insignia. The stencil kit does not include the blue/yellow markings, these can be done with masking tape. |
| .50 Caliber, Armor Piercing M2, 1942 $20 set or 3 sets for $50 |
| Stencil C116: |
| This replica .30 Caliber Crate T1EDV with 1344 Cartridges of Armor Piercing M2 in 8 Round Clips, in Bandoleers, was produced by Saint Louis Ordnance Plant, Missouri, Repacked Lot 91361. The replica, Stencil C116, is shown above. This stencil kit includes both sides, both end stencils and lid, to include the Ordnance Corps insignia. |
| .30 Caliber, AP M2 in 8 Round Clips, Bandoleers $20 set or 3 sets for $50 |
| Stencil C117: |
| This replica .30 Caliber Crate T1EGK with 1500 Cartridges of Ball M2 in 5 Round Clips, in Bandoleers, was produced by Twin Cities Ordnance, Minnesota, Lot 19262 in 1943 and Repacked January 1944. The replica, Stencil C117, is shown above. This stencil kit includes both sides, both end stencils and lid, to include the Ordnance Corps insignia. |
| .30 Caliber, Ball M2 in 5 Round Clips, Bandoleers, 1943 $20 set or 3 sets for $50 |
| Stencil C108: |
| Original M-14 Incendiary Hand Grenade Crate, shown left. This crate was manufactured in December 1942 and contained 25 Incendiary (Thermite) M-14 Grenades. The crate has the grey with blue corner markings for Chemical Warfare Service overseas shipping. The side stencil is not separated in two sections for a steel banding strap to be attached to the crate for shipment. The replica, Stencil C108, is shown above. This stencil kit includes both sides and both end stencils to include the Chemical Warfare Service insignia. |
| Grenade Incendiary M-14, 1942 $20 set or 3 sets for $50 |
| Stencil C110: |
| Original Mk.IA1 Training or Practice Hand Grenade Crate, shown left. This S4MAA crate originally contained 25 Practice Mk.IA1 Grenades. The Mk.IA1 was a solid cast-iron training grenade that did not contain any moving parts or explosive element. The side stencil is separated in three sections so that two steel banding straps can be attached to the crate for shipment. The stencil is separated so that no markings are obscured when the band is attached. The replica, Stencil C110, is shown above. This stencil kit includes both sides, lid and both end stencils to include the Ordnance Corps insignia. |
| Grenade, Practice Mk.IA1 $20 set or 3 sets for $50 |
| Stencil C121: |
| Original 60mm M49A2 High Explosive Mortar Shell Crate, shown left. This R4CAC 60mm High Explosive Mortar Crate was produced with a black stencil, Lot Number WC-94-182, by Newton Brothers Lumber Company, Tuscaloosa Alabama, October 1944. A similar crate in the QuestMasters Museum collection was produced with a yellow stencil, Lot Number WC-94-162, by Morton Box Company, October 1944. Either yellow or black stenciling on natural wood are correct for this time period. This side stencil is separated in two sections for the provision of a steel banding strap for shipment. The replica, Stencil C121, is shown above. This stencil kit includes side, both end stencils and lid, to include the Ordnance Corps insignia. |
| 60mm M49A2 Mortar, HE, 1944 $20 set or 3 sets for $50 |
| The next most common question is: "How do I apply the stencils and paint the stencils"? Each stencil set will be shipped to you in a machine-cut sheet. Using a ruler or straight-edge with a utility knife, cut the stencils into small blocks for application. Placement of the markings, even in the original WWII factories, varied from crate to crate - so there is no "exact" correct location, unless they were machine-applied in the factory. Lot Numbers, dates and weight markings were often crooked on original crates. Remember, these crates were made for transportation and were expendable afterwards. Early crates were painted in various shades of Chocolate Brown. In 1943, most manufacturers started delivering crates in natural unpainted wood, although brown painted crates were made through 1945. Normal house-paint can be mixed and used to paint the crate and for the stencils. Shown above is a foam brush used to lightly apply several coats of paint to apply the stencil. Spray paint can also be used to paint the stencil. It should be noted that stencil markings were often sloppy on original crates, so don't be too critical if your stencil is slightly messy - the originals were as well! |
| HOW TO APPLY STENCILS AND PAINT: |
| Stencil C125: |
| This original 2.36 Inch Rocket M7A1 Practice S9ADA Crate was produced in November 1943, by Woodstock, Charleston South Carolina for Wolfcreek Ordnance Plant (WC). This S9ADA crate contained 20 M7A1 "Bazooka" Practice Rockets. The side stencil is separated in two sections so that a steel banding strap can be attached to the crate for shipment. The stencil is separated so that no markings are obscured when the band is attached. The blue painted stripes on the sides and lid of the crate indicate practice munitions. The replica, Stencil C125, is shown above. This stencil kit includes the front, both end stencils and lid, to include the Ordnance Corps insignia. |
| 2.36 Inch Practice Rocket M7A1 Crate, 1944 $20 set or 3 sets for $50 |
| Stencil C126: |
| Original 4.2 Inch Chemical Mortar, Smoke, White Phosphorus, shown left. This crate originally contained 2 rounds of 4.2 Inch Chemical Mortar White Phosphorus Shells. This crate was produced March 1943 and was found in the town of San Pietro, Italy after the battle that took place there in December 1943. The crate has blue corner markings for Chemical Warfare Service overseas shipping. The replica, Stencil C126, is shown above. This stencil kit includes side and end stencil, to include the Chemical Warfare Service insignia. |
| 4.2 Inch Chemical Mortar, Smoke (White Phosphorus) 1943 $20 set or 3 sets for $50 |
| Replica WWII K-Ration Crates, above two photos. The stencils sets for sale below can easily used to make replica WWII crates for WWII displays or living-history events. The crates shown above are completely made from recycled pallet wood - to include the nails! The standard shipping pallet is 40" x 48". Oversized or undersized pallets are often thrown away and are readily available. The crates shown above were made completely from discarded shipping pallets. Each board was planned to the correct thickness, then cut to the correct size and then nailed together. The vinyl stencil sets available below were then applied and then painted. The final result - an accurate WWII display crate for events or shows. Steel banding can be added for a last additional accurate touch! |
| This original frame from the motion picture "Food for Fighters" produced by the Office of War Information, Bureau of Motion Pictures, shows a female factory worker applying a stencil card to a Beef Vegetable Stew Ration Crate. The cardstock was applied to the crate and then a hand applied paint roller would put the markings on the crate. |
| Stencil C128: |
| The original WWII U.S. Army Field Ration K crate, shown above left, with a modern replica sitting on top of it, produced by QuestMasters. The early WWII K Ration crate was only marked with a large KS on the front, sides, lid and rear. The gross weight, cubic feet and contract number are the only other markings put on these early style crates. No manufacturer or date were listed. This style crate was produced in 1942 to 1943, but were used throughout WWII until stocks were exhausted. The replica, Stencil C128, is shown above right. This stencil kit includes the front, sides, lid and rear stencil. |
| K Ration Crate, early war style 1942-1943 $20 set or 3 sets for $50 |
| Stencil C127: |
| The 2.36 Inch Rocket M6A1 High Explosive S9ACA Crate was produced in September 1943, by Wolfcreek Ordnance Plant (WC). The S9ACA crate contained 20 M6A1 "Bazooka" High Explosive Anti-Tank Rockets. The side stencil is separated in two sections so that a steel banding strap can be attached to the crate for shipment. The stencil is separated so that no markings are obscured when the band is attached. The replica, Stencil C127, kit includes the side, both end stencils and lid, to include the Ordnance Corps insignia. |
| 2.36 Inch High Explosive Rocket M6A1 Crate, 1943 $20 set or 3 sets for $50 |
| Stencil C128: |
| The 2.36 Inch Rocket T1 High Explosive Crate, shown in the left photo, was the Test version of the rocket that would become the M6 and later M6A1 and finally M6A3 H.E.A.T. Rocket. This crate was produced in June 1942. This is the earliest version of the 2.36 Inch Rocket, developed during WWII. At this point, the rocket was painted ordnance yellow and not olive-drab. The crate contained 20 T1 "Bazooka" High Explosive Anti-Tank Rockets, which has been re-labeled in this photo to 10 Rockets. The replica, Stencil C128, kit includes the side, both end stencils and lid, to include the Ordnance Corps insignia. |
| 2.36 Inch High Explosive Rocket T1 Crate, 1942 $20 set or 3 sets for $50 |
| WWII ROCKET CRATES: |
| .30 CALIBER WIRE-BOUND CRATES: |
| Wire-bound Crate, C129 Fully assembled for display: 1,000 Caliber .30 T1EHD 4 Ball / 1 Tracer, Belted, Repacked Saint Louis Ordnance Plant 1943, Lot 79123. Plus four Ammunition Box Stencils. $70 |
| Wire-bound crates were designed during WWII to ship four M1 .30 Caliber steel ammunition boxes or two .50 Caliber M2 steel ammunition boxes, preloaded with ammunition. These crates were made as single use, designed to be opened in the field to deploy the ammunition box. They were not designed to be re-closed. Each wire-bound crate, shown below, was hand crafted in the United States to the original size, with digitally rendered original stenciling. Each wire-bound crate is shipped fully assembled and empty. These are perfect for a vintage weapons or re-enactment display and carrying on a WWII vehicle. Early crates were stained brown. Natural wood crates started to be issued in 1944. Both styles of crates were issued in Europe, North Africa and Pacific during WWII. Belted (cloth) ammunition was the standard for all ground deployed machine-guns until 1944, when Linked ammunition was no longer limited to only the Army Air Force. Belted ammunition was not used in aircraft. Each crate comes with four stencils for ammunition box restoration. |
| TM9-1900, Ammunition General, June 1945 page 7, above left photo. ORD11, SNL T-1, January 1944 page 39, right photo. |
| Wire-bound Crate, C130 Fully assembled for display: 1,000 Caliber .30 T1EHD 4 Ball / 1 Tracer, Belted, Repacked Saint Louis Ordnance Plant, Lot 79123. Plus four Ammunition Box Stencils. $70 |
| Wire-bound Crate, C131 Fully assembled for display: 1,000 Caliber .30 T1EDP 4 Armor Piercing / 1 Tracer, Belted, Repacked Saint Louis Ordnance Plant, Lot 90105. Plus four Ammunition Box Stencils. $70 |
| .50 CALIBER WIRE-BOUND CRATES: |
| Wire-bound Crate, C132 Fully assembled for display: 220 Caliber .50 T1ICN 4 Armor Piercing M2 / 4 Incendiary M1 / 2 Tracer M1, Belted, Repacked Lot CB B76038. Plus two Ammunition Box Stencils. $70 |
| ORD11, SNL T-1, January 1944 page 40, above photo. |
| FULLY ASSEMBLED REPLICA CRATES FOR SALE: |
| C RATION AND K RATION REPLICA CRATES: |
| C Ration and K Ration crates were designed during WWII to ship ready-to-eat food to the field, to feed each Service Member for one day - Breakfast, Lunch and Supper. These crates were made as single use, designed to be opened in the field to deploy the food and then discarded. They were not designed to be re-closed. Each replica crate, shown below, was hand crafted in the United States to the original size from original examples in the QuestMasters Museum collection, using reclaimed lumber for a more vintage look, with digitally rendered original stenciling. Each crate is shipped fully assembled and empty. Each crate can be ordered sealed with the original issue wire-banding (as delivered from the factory) or with a removable lid for storage purposes. These are perfect for a WWII re-enactment display and carrying on a WWII vehicle. |
| C Ration Crate, C133 Fully assembled for display. Early WWII, Chef Boy-Ar-Dee $65 |
| Wire-bound Crate, C134 Fully assembled for display: 1,000 Caliber .30 T1EDP 4 Armor Piercing / 1 Tracer, Belted, Repacked Lake City Ordnance Plant 1943, Lot 80004. Plus four Ammunition Box Stencils. $70 |
| C Ration Crate, C135 Fully assembled for display: Early WWII, Thrift Packing Company, Dallas Texas $65 |
| C Ration Crate, C136 Fully assembled for display: January 1944 Phillips Packing Company $65 |
| K Ration Crate, C137 Fully assembled for display: Early WWII, beginning of production. No maker markings applied, only contract number. Replica shown on top, original crate on bottom. (Original crate not for sale) $65 |
| K Ration Crate, C138 Fully assembled for display: May 1943, American Chicle Company $65 |
| C Ration Crate - made into wash stand, C135a Fully assembled for display: Early WWII, Thrift Packing Company, Dallas Texas This is the wash stand only - no accessories or helmet included. One example for sale! $100 |
| Souvenir French 1944 mini K Ration Crate, C139 This is a souvenir box that would have been sold to G.I.'s on the streets of France in 1944 after the Liberation. Perfect gift for a loved one, jewelry box, mobile phone storage, wallet and keys - or actual WWII souvenirs! $20 |
| ORIGINAL WWII RESTORED CRATES FOR SALE: |
| Replica WWII 75mm Howitzer and 75mm Gun, M48 High Explosive Shell, "Lobster" Shipping Crate, R1MLA 1943, with replica fiber tubes, sealing tapes, and replica cloverleaf bundles, fully banded and ready to display with your Pack Howitzer, Airborne or Infantry Display or with your M-4 "Sherman" tank. Available in factory WWII brown stain or paint with original replica Ordnance Plant markings. WWII 81mm Mortar "Lobster" Shipping Crate is also available. Individual WWII 75mm Howitzer, 75mm Gun, and 81mm Mortar M43 and M56/M57 replica fiber shipping tubes with original end caps are also available. These are fully functional, open and are able to store rounds for display. Email for availability: questmasters@hotmail.com |
| After many requests from museums, the movie industry, re-enactors, WWII vehicle owners and collectors, QuestMasters Museum now offers restored original WWII crates! The crates, shown below, are genuine WWII factory production, with original hardware, that have been restored by QuestMasters Museum. Currently the WWII M-1917 Packing Box, which was used to ship and issue .30 caliber rifle and machine-gun ammunition, as well as .50 caliber machine-gun ammunition, and the M-3 Packing Box, for .45 caliber ammunition, are the only original crates that are available. Each crate is a work of art that matches original factory paint colors, markings, production lot numbers to specific years, and specific to the arsenal or ordnance plant that produced them. Restored crates are shown next to the original crate, used to create them, in the QuestMasters Museum reference library. For availability and prices email: questmasters@hotmail.com |