Data Plates Exposed #9: Ju W34

[stephen f. polyak]

Hi TOCH fans,

Past discussions about aircraft repair works in general and, more recently, the ‘E’ (possibly meaning Ersatz [Replacement]) preceding a werk nummer on a Fw 44 data plate (marked for Flugzeugreparaturwerk G.m.b.H. Braunschweig) prompted the next submission in the series.

Here we have a data plate that is without a doubt a replacement. In fact, it’s marked “ERSATZ - SCHILD!” The aircraft in this case is Ju W34hi, WNr. 4035. The year of construction is marked 1937. An Air Ministry inspection/acceptance stamp is entered on the corner. I believe this was the airplane's main identification plate. It appears to be shop made, likely to replace the production original.

This example came via a collector in Canada; I know nothing about the plate’s or the plane’s history.

As always, further information would be most welcome.

Best regards,
Steve

[Dénes Bernád]

This is quite amazing, Steve.
Personally, I've never seen a dataplate like this before.

[RT]

At least is a valid number for a JU-W34..

REMI

[stephen f. polyak]

Dénes,

I agree, it's an unusual one! During more than 10 years of examining identification/data plates, I have never seen another even close to this. That said, nothing surprises me when it come to plates from Luftwaffe airplanes. There are all sorts of variations and permutations; that's part of the enjoyment of studying these parts. Plus, there's the historic information they often provide. The number of airframe plates produced before and during the war well exceeds 100,000!

This plate came with two others. Both were conventional production Junkers plates. One from a Ju 52, and one from a Ju 88. Almost certainly they were pinched during the war or shortly thereafter by a serviceman.

The Ju W34 plate is simply made from cut aluminum sheet. Edges are crimped. The entries are die-stamped. Traces of black-green paint remain on the border. The ministry stamp indicates that the aircraft was examined and deemed acceptable at some facility level. Perhaps this plate reflects a replacement after airplane repair due to an accident and loss of the original. If only it could speak . . .

You may look forward to more interesting plates in the future.

Best wishes,
Steve