The Study of the Japanese Air Industry
Japanese Makers Plates and Markings, Report No. 61, 23 January 1945, published in the Military Intelligence Division, U.S. War Department.

EXCERPT IS AS FOLLOWS:

Collection and Processing Plates and Markings
Over 150 significant makers' plates and markings may be recovered from a Japanese fighter and nearly 300 from a two-engine bomber. They are found throughout the airplane, from wing tip to wing tip, from propeller to tail wheel, yielding a wealth of detail regarding production rates and places of assembly. . . . Proper removal of plates and markings from an airplane is an exacting process. Nameplate information loses much of its significance if, through souveniring or other misfortune, the plate or marking cannot be identified with the airplane or part from which it was removed. Unless collection is properly carried out, classification may be retarded and the dissemination of production intelligence delayed.

In order to obtain maximum intelligence from plates and markings, four basic identifications must be established:

1. The manufacturer's serial number of the airplane.

2. The airplane type.

3. The unit number or symbol on the tail fin.

4. The nature of the component part from which each plate or marking is removed.

END OF EXCERPT
Via Jim Long / J-Aircraft.com