When did the MS part number system start?

[w30bob]

Hi Guys,

Anybody know when the military started using the Military Standard (MS) part numbering system? I've looked on the web but can't find a date. For example, I know M37 speedometers with an MS number on them aren't "correct" for early trucks as original equipment.........but I don't know for what year M's they are correct. I understand that MS marked gauges were retrofitted to early trucks, but I'm talking about factory installed. If anybody can shed some light on when that system began being used please let me know.

thanks,
bob

[52 M-42]

Shortly after or at the end of WW II, I believe. During most of WW II things were A/N which stands of Army/Navy. Those were the only two "models" of most stuff (this is especially true for aircraft, radios, etc). Late in the war, or shortly after, the procurement people tried to streamline things by combining specifications to Military Standard which would apply to everybody (the Army, Navy - including the Marines and the brand new Air Force). I don't think Military Standard happen on one specific day; they just consolidated and upgraded the system over time, through drawing revisions and new supply contracts. Items were obsoleted and supplies of the old numbers were exhausted and the new specifications superseded the old ones. So, it was a process rather than a discreet event.