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Collection of Paul "Bolo" McKee

(Click on photo for a closeup image)

 

Marine dogtags until early in 1942 were marked on the reverse with an acid-etched right index finger print as shown on this original example. Private Barsotti retained one of his earlier fingerprint-etched tags (with a January 1942 tetnus shot date) when he was issued new tags in 1943. The earlier tag (top) is thicker than the 1943 tags suspended below, although all three appear to be made of "monel" metal. The tags are suspended from a private-purchase plastic "tropical" neck cord which appears to have been originally clear or brown-tinted plastic - now darkened to near black.

Through a little trial and error, "Boot" has developed the following method of recreating the fingerprint-etched tag. He shares his method in the following article.

-Bolo

Etching your WWII USMC Dog Tags
by Pfc. Steve "Boot" Beaver

Here is a way to etch your dog tags for yourself. First check out the dog tag website and look at how the name, serial number etc. is laid out on Marine tags. Remember, Marine and Navy tags were different in shape and layout than the Army. Note, that USMC tags had serial numbers that only went 6 figures early in the war, the Corps was a small body of men.

I made some dog tags early on and by trial and error have come up with this method. You could cut them out of sheet brass, as I did. However, this takes time, and, an original set of tags to copy. A much simpler way is to go to AEF Supply and order his USMC brass tags $12 (which includes shipping) all ready to go. However, he does not stamp them. Take them to a jeweler with what you want stamped on them and some will do them for a small fee or nothing at all.

Now you are ready to take the final step and have your fingerprint on the back of them. The early ones had the right index fingerprint on the back of both tags. You will need the following items: A bottle of PCB Etchant solution (available at Radio Shack, part number 276-1535A, or any electronics store that sells electronic components) - it'll cost you around $5; A small amount of hobby acrylic paint (I picked up some at a Hobby Lobby for $1.50, brand name was Delta Cream Coat, any brand will do, water soluble); some fine steel wool; and finally, a permanent marker.

First, on your stamped side of the tag, hit it with the steel wool to remove your skin oils and any surface oil.

Give that side a coat of the acrylic paint and let it dry (a hair dryer speeds up the process).

Once that is dry, turn the tag over and hit that side with the steel wool. Take the permanent marker and give your right index finger a good coat, put it on heavy, then roll your finger on the tag, much like you would do at a police station.

Let that dry. Now, in a shallow bowl, pour enough of the etching solution to cover the tags. Gently agitate the bowl for about 2 or 3 minutes.

Remove the tags and rinse with warm soapy water. Lightly hit the fingerprint side with fine steel wool. The painted side will just peel off, polish that side up with your fine steel wool.

AEF sends a white twill ribbon with his (it is correct) or some of us use a brown shoestring. There you have it, a swell looking reproduction USMC early war dog tag.