Reference Guides — US military stock numbers

A visual guide detailing and explaining how to read and understand US military contract labels, an essential component for assessing authenticity, provenance, and period of manufacture. This article traces their evolution from the early 20th century, through World War 2, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the GWOT era, to the present day, focusing mostly on labels found on US Army clothing and individual equipment, explaining their structure, purpose, and historical context. It also deep-dives into the format, content, and structure of contract numbers, helping you to gain a comprehensive understanding of US military procurement and supply structure throughout the 20th century to the present. Designed as a practical reference for collectors and re-enactors, the article is based on primary government and archival sources.