Reference Library
Technical and historical reference material to support research and collecting. Several items below link directly to trusted external guides that you can keep open while working with an artifact. This section will continue to grow over time.
Reference Guides | Historical & Research Resources | Citing & Source Notes
Reference Guides
- Serial Numbers & Date of Manufacture
- Firearm Serialization Date Guides (NRA Museum PDF) - Factory serial number tables for many major makers.
- U.S. M1 Garand Serial Number Ranges - Quick lookup for receiver ranges by serial block.
- Lee-Enfield No.4 Serial Numbering (Official-paper extract) - Useful for No.4 production blocks by maker.
- Markings, Proofs & Manufacturer Codes
- German WWII Rifle Ordnance Codes - Maker codes such as byf, bnz, bcd, dot, dou, and more.
- Mosin-Nagant Proofs & Markings Guide - Visual reference for common Russian and Soviet marks.
- Enfield Codes & Government Marks - Observed government marks used by various countries.
- Ammunition Headstamps & Factory Codes
- AFTE Headstamp Guide - Photo-based headstamp categories (letters, numbers, symbols, unknowns).
- Headstamp Codes (Cartridge Collectors) - Alphabetic and numeric code lists for manufacturers.
- Cartridge Corner (Cartridge and Headstamp Identification) - General cartridge ID help and collecting notes.
- Equipment & Webbing
- Karkee Web - Infantry Equipment, Pattern 1937 - Lookup for British Pattern 1937 web equipment.
Historical & Research Resources
High level starting points for deeper research: technical archives, museum collections, and official history sites that pair well with the artifacts in the collection.
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Carcano Rifle Technical Archive
Research site containing Carcano rifle models, technical notes, and bayonet classifications.
Carcano Rifle Reference -
Italian Carabinieri History (Official)
Institutional history of the Italian national gendarmerie.
Carabinieri Official Site -
Imperial War Museums - Digital Collections
Artifact photos, service records, and war diaries.
Visit IWM Collections -
U.S. Army Center of Military History
Official histories, unit lineages, and campaign studies from the U.S. Army.
Visit history.army.mil -
History of War
Articles, battle summaries, and campaign overviews spanning multiple eras and nations.
Visit historyofwar.org -
M1-garand-rifle.com
Independent technical reference for military rifles and accessories.
Visit M1-Garand-Rifle.com
Citing & Source Notes
When a page on this site makes a specific historical or technical claim, the goal is to show where that information came from so readers can verify it. Sources also help separate documented facts from informed interpretation.
- Prefer primary sources when possible: manuals, ordnance documents, museum catalogs, and official archives.
- Secondary sources reputable reference sites and books.
- Forums and collector discussions can provide sources and leads, but should not be treated as proof without supporting documentation.
If you notice a broken link or a questionable claim, web source URLs and content can change over time. Please reach out through the Resources & Contact page so it can be corrected.