Need help with Ben Hur Unit ID numbers

[weasel nut]

In sandblasting my Ben Hur trailer. I stumbled across the following unit ID numbers.

Anyone have any idea what this configuration would indicate?

Centered on the front of the trailer is

ZI - 704 or Z1 - 704

COD



The Z number was on it twice (painted over). The deeper in WWII font and this in post war font.

It also has the Bridge plate and an "X" of the right front panel of the trailer.



Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[tipdog]

Where did you pick up your Ben-Hur?

Looking at the stencil fonts, I'd say they're European, except may the "Co D" - Company D?

[weasel nut]

The trailer was in use at a Nursery on the New Hampshire - Massachusetts state line. It had no tailgate (to check for lettering) and 1970 era wheels and tires.

There was what appeared to be 1 coat of OD covered by 1 coat of DOT orange.

No dataplates or other identification.

Bill

[retro-roco]

"ZI - 704" is most likely a reference to the "Zone of the Interior" (or stateside). You might look at the example "jeep markings" listed here:

http://www.lonesentry.com/panzer/jeep-markings.html They even include "ZI-704...) you might want to see if you can pull up any other characters beyond the 704.

Some more interesting reading if you look here:

http://militarypoliceflagunits.com/resources/301st-510th+MILITARY+POLICE+BATTALIONS.pdf and search for "704". Seems it was a military police battalion (Zone of the Interior), activated in Jan 1942 at Camp Edwards, Massachusetts.

[weasel nut]

Thank you for the link. I believe I have solved my quest.

Unfortunately there was nothing beyond the 704.

Through the links you provided I was able to determine that the 704th MP battalion was stationed at Camp Edwards on Cape Cod in late 1945. Since the trailer was found about 120 miles from there it would be a good assumption that it one time it was part of their equipment.

The only other marking is a C-13 in the upper right corner of the front (as direction of travel) in the older style font.

Still researching what the "COD" means.

Bill

[retro-roco]

Bill,

I copied your photos, and ran them through some photo analysis filters that I use, and it is readily apparent that the CO D (company D) markings were applied using a different paint then the ZI-704 markings immediately above them. The paint appears to be a uniformly "brighter" white. The "C-13" markings you mention would likely indicate the 13th vehicle of Company C. You might also read about the use of "X" in vehicle markings (see my first link). It indicates that the first unit designation is unique, requiring no additional description, and was used when referencing headquarters, headquarters companies, or special companies...

Nice bit of history you've found there!

[weasel nut]

Bill,

I copied your photos, and ran them through some photo analysis filters that I use, and it is readily apparent that the CO D (company D) markings were applied using a different paint then the ZI-704 markings immediately above them. The paint appears to be a uniformly "brighter" white. The "C-13" markings you mention would likely indicate the 13th vehicle of Company C. You might also read about the use of "X" in vehicle markings (see my first link). It indicates that the first unit designation is unique, requiring no additional description, and was used when referencing headquarters, headquarters companies, or special companies...

Nice bit of history you've found there!

Thank you for that. Great analysis

I noticed the little extra space between the O and the D and thought it might be that but did not want to influence input.

The C=13 and the CO D are in a heavier white and the font is a little different. It looks like that may have been painted on rather than sprayed. The Stencil type lettering looks sprayed on to me.

I am going to see if I can find out information approaching the other end. If I get lucky I will let all know.

Bill

[F. R. Fox]

The square bridge plate marking is also a state side practice.