Help with AutoLite distributor number

[roysboystoys]

I have this 34-5 Terraplane distributor for sale. I got a question about the number.

What does the 12N stand for?

A fellow has one without the 12 N and wants to know if it will replace his IGB4301A

Thanks

[roysboystoys]

bump

[TerryB]

Roy, one reference I found on a military autos web site says the number is the month and the letter is the year of manufacture of the distributor.  Don’t know if that’s completely true but it might be a start.

[roysboystoys]

2 hours ago, TerryB said:

Roy, one reference I found on a military autos web site says the number is the month and the letter is the year of manufacture of the distributor.  Don’t know if that’s completely true but it might be a start.

Thanks , that's what I told him I thought it meant, wasn't sure. November 12? How do they figure the year at N?

I thought it could be updates on old number also.

Edited September 6, 2023 by roysboystoys (see edit history)

[TerryB]

There is also a number letter combo on the right side of the plate that indicate the month and date of production.
The number is the month (3= March, etc). The letter indicates the year:
V is 1941
W is 1942
X is 1943
Y is 1944
Z is 1945
Then it starts over from A for 1946. So "4 C" would be April 1948.

 

This is what I found

[Hudzilla]

This is a  December 1936 model AutoLite distributor.

[roysboystoys]

1 hour ago, Hudzilla said:

This is a  December 1936 model AutoLite distributor.

From a parts book?

The 12 N doesn't match Terry B chart to December 1936.

Could you share your source of info.

Parts book says 1934 Terraplane, without the 12N after the number

I think 12n comes out to December 1934 per his chart?