First Series A5 Data Plate Discussion

[Chuck W.]

John Emery and I have been communicating about the first series A5 mules, which I have always called Baifield mules. But looking at different data plates, we noticed that sometime after serial number 11762 (Oct-68), the manufacturer name changed from Baifield Industries to Automatic Sprinkler Corp. (Baifield Division). The contract number stayed the same, DA-20-113-AMC-07129(T)(MYP). We noticed that the Baifield mule data plate is printed with "USMC Registration No." and the ASC mule plate is printed with "U.S.A. Registration No." All the Automatic Sprinkler Corp. mules appear to be Army mules with the 02A prefix registration number.

Many of you have already sent me your data plate information, which I appreciate very much. In order to try to determine exactly when ASC took over production from Baifield, I am asking you to please check your A5 data plates and send me the following (PM is fine);

Manufacturer Name (i.e., Baifield Industries or Automatic Sprinkler Corp.)
Serial Number
Registration number as it appears on the data plate
Date of Delivery
A photo of the data plate showing the inspection stamp would also be appreciated.

Thank you all for your participation in this project and we hope to be able to provide the most accurate information for future data plate production.

PS - I'm still collecting data plate information on all other model mules!

[muleman7]

Baifield Industries
USMC Reg # 323304
Ser # 11010
Date of Del 6-1968



Baifield Industries
USMC Reg # 324487
Ser # 10193
Date of Del 4-1968



ASC Baifield Division
USA Reg # 02A-22968
Ser # 12003
Date of Del 11-68



ASC Baifield Division
USA Reg # 02A-42768
Ser # 12201
Date of Del 1-69



I will check the decks I have and list later.