WWII lathe markings followup question

Regarding SB 10 SN 135111 purchased by the navy in October, 1942, and sent into the Pacific in spring, 1943, still trying to identify the Stamping “MA E127” found on the tail stock end of the ways.


We believe “MA” is the abbreviation for ‘Marine Aircraft’ the standard WW2 nomenclature for all Marine Corps aviation units in the Pacific theater.

However, still trying to identify what unit, or meaning ‘E127’ is. Could be an Engineering unit number or abase installation number...

Anyone have a similar marking on your equipment, or recgnize what this stamping might mean?

FYI, further research shows the Marine Corps had two strategic missions at end of 1942 - prepare for the Solomon Islands campaign (Guadalcanal and building a forward base at Espritu Santo, New Hebrides; and Operation Cartwheel - stage in New Zealand and from there retake Rabaul and eventually invade the Phillipines.

So looking for help identifying any possible Marine Corps aviation units numbered 127 in either of those theaters, or at MArine Aviation, South Pacific command at Ewa MCAS, in Hawaii.


Thanks much,
Glenn Brooks