USN Workbench information

[Steve Trauthwein]

I have a workbench that is 3' by 12' that is made with maple and oak. The maple front board is a full 2" by 9" by 12'.
I had the lumber priced at our local hardwood store and he quoted me $772, if some of the larger pieces would even be available. The whole thing probably weighs 600 lbs. and I am concerned about trying to move it. It has a small tag on the face board that reads USN 96971 3-002711. I have been trying to find out information on this bench but have come up empty.

I purchased it at an auction about a mile from my home for $50. Twelve of us put it in my pickup and three of us leveraged it into my shop. That was almost 20 years ago and it hasn't moved since.

Regards, Steve

[David Nelson1]

USN 96971 3-002711. Most likely its a navy property tag used to control inventory. I doubt that you will ever find any info since the navy/gov would advertise the requirements and take bids. Hence no Navy stock number. I might be wrong, but from what I have seen in the past it's the most likely.

[david brum]

I've never seen one, but I'm pretty sure that most large naval ships have woodshops. One of my friends built a roll top desk on board a ship, during a deployment to Diego Garcia. For sure there are large woodshops at naval repair yards. Just think how much woodworking for ships must have taken place during WW2. Is there a naval facility close to you?