Reading contractor stamps and spec tags on US military gear.
DLA, DSCP, MIL-SPEC, NSN, what each part of a US issue label actually tells you about a piece of equipment.
The five part standard label
A typical US issue spec tag includes (1) item name and spec number, (2) contractor name and address, (3) contract number, (4) NSN, National Stock Number, and (5) size or grade. Together these date the item, identify the maker, and confirm authenticity.
The contract number
Format: DLA100-XX-D-XXXX. "DLA" = Defense Logistics Agency. The two digit XX after DLA100 is the fiscal year of award. So DLA100-72-D-1234 was awarded FY1972, making the item a Vietnam era production.
The National Stock Number
A 13 digit code (XXXX-XX-XXX-XXXX). The first four digits are the Federal Supply Class. 8405 = outerwear coats, 8415 = special purpose clothing, 8455 = badges and insignia, 1095 = bayonets and edged weapons. Useful for cataloging.
MIL-SPEC vs. commercial
MIL-SPEC means the item was built to a Military Specification document (MIL-J-7176, MIL-C-43455, etc.). commercial equivalent items can look similar but were not built under spec. The spec number is the surest signal.
Have a question this didn't answer?
The counter at Bossert's has more than 75 years of cataloging behind it. Come in, call, or send a message.