SKU Numbers.

What is a SKU Number?

A SKU (Stock Keeping Unit) number is a unique code assigned to an item to track and organize it in your inventory or collection. SKUs help identify individual items at a glance, manage collections, and make referencing easier. Unlike barcodes or serial numbers that may be universal, SKUs are customized by the collector or store.

How We Generate SKU Numbers

For our collection, we use a structured format to make SKUs descriptive and consistent. Each part of the SKU gives information about the item. Here’s the structure we use:

Format: MMCM-[COUNTRY]-[TYPE]-[ABBREVIATION]-[YEAR]-[ITEM NUMBER]

• MMCM → The name of the collection/website.

• COUNTRY→ Country.

• TYPE → What kind of item it is (e.g., WMK = War Merit Cross, VCM = Vietnam Campaign Medal, PP = Propaganda Poster).

• ABBREVIATION → Short identifier for the specific item (like the class or slogan).

• YEAR → The year the item was created or issued.

• ITEM NUMBER → Sequence number within that type and year.

Example 1: War Merit Cross

1. Item: War Merit Cross 2nd Class with Swords

2. Year: 1941

3. SKU: MMCM-NG-WMK-2C-1941-01

   • NG = Nazi Germany

   • WMK = War Merit Cross

   • 2C = 2nd Class

   • 1941 = Year issued

   • 01 = First item of this type in the collection

Example 2: Vietnam Campaign Medal (John C Roybal)

• Item: Vietnam Campaign Medal

• Year: 1966

• SKU: MMCM-US-VCM-1966-01

  • US = United States

  • VCM = Vietnam Campaign Medal

  • 1966 = Year of issue

  • 01 = First Vietnam Campaign Medal in the collection

Example 3: Propaganda Poster

• Item: “Let’s Catch Him with His Panzers Down”

• Year: 1942

• SKU: MMCM-PP-LCH-1942-01

  • PP = Propaganda Poster

  • LCH = Abbreviation of the slogan

  • 1942 = Year created

  • 01 = First poster of this type in the collection

This system lets us immediately know what type of item it is, when it was made, and its place in our collection. It also keeps everything organized, so we can expand our collection without confusion.

Item Name

Description

SKU Number

British War Medal – WWI

British campaign medal was awarded to members of the British and Imperial forces for service during World War I. Features the King’s effigy on the obverse and symbolic imagery on the reverse.

MMCM-GB-BWM-1914-01

Iron Cross 1914 (EK 1914)

German military decoration from World War I awarded for bravery. Includes 2nd Class (ribbon) and 1st Class (pin-on) versions.

MMCM-DE-EK-1914-01

Long Service Medal – Army Cadets, Canada

Canadian medal is awarded to cadets for extended service and dedication in the Army Cadet program. Recognizes years of commitment and leadership.

MMCM-CA-LSM-AC-01

Pattern 1907 Bayonet

British bayonet was adopted in 1907, widely used with Lee-Enfield rifles. Iconic for its design and durability, used in both World Wars.

MMCM-GB-PB-1907-01

Propaganda Poster: “Let’s Catch Him with His Panzers Down”

WWII-era propaganda poster, dramatic imagery and bold slogan, preserved as a historical artifact.

MMCM-PP-LCH-1942-01

U.S. Pilot Logbook – John Charles Roybal

U.S. pilot logbook with flight records, documenting aircraft type, flight hours, and routes. Copyright 1960 edition.

MMCM-US-PL-1960-001

United States National Defense Service Medal (NDSM) – John Charles Roybal, U.S. Marine

U.S. military decoration awarded to all Armed Forces members who served honorably during designated wartime periods, including Korea, Vietnam, Gulf War, and the Global War on Terrorism. Established in 1953, it features an eagle on a sword and palm with a red, yellow, white, and blue ribbon.

MMCM-US-NDSM-1953-01 (Medal)

MMCM-US-NDSM-1953-02 (Ribbon) 

The Honour Cross of the World War 1914/1918 (Das Ehrenkreuz des Weltkrieges)

German medal awarded to veterans of World War I, with variations for combatants, non-combatants, and next-of-kin.

MMCM-DE-HCW-1914-01

Vietnam Campaign Medal – John Charles Roybal, U.S. Marine

U.S. military campaign medal awarded for service in Vietnam. Belonged to John Charles Roybal, a U.S. Marine, honoring his contributions during the war.

MMCM-US-VCM-1966-01 (Medal)

MMCM-US-VCM-1966-02 (Ribbon)

MMCM-US-VCM-1966-03 (Ribbon with pin)

War Merit Cross 2nd Class with Swords (Nazi Germany)

Nazi Germany medal awarded for military service beyond the call of duty; 2nd Class with swords indicates combat-related service.

MMCM-NG-WMK-2C-1941-01

1979 Silver Griffon Dollar (Canada)

Canadian commemorative coin issued in 1979 featuring a silver griffon. Part of the collector’s series of silver dollars.

MMCM-CA-SGD-1979-01

Notes on the SKU System

• MMCM → Maritime Military Conflict Museum

• Country codes:

  • CA = Canada

  • GB = Great Britain / United Kingdom

  • DE = Deutschland. (Germany)

  • NG = Nazi Germany (Germany, 1933–1945)

  • US = United States

  • USSR = Union of Soviet Socialist Republics

• Item type abbreviations:

  • BWM = British War Medal

  • EK = Iron Cross

  • HCW = Honour Cross of WWI

  • LSM = Long Service Medal

  • NDSM = National Defense Service Medal 

  • PB = Pattern Bayonet

  • PL = Pilot Log

  • PP = Propaganda Poster

  • SGD = Silver Griffon Dollar

  • VCM = Vietnam Campaign Medal

  • WMK = War Merit Cross

• Years indicate either the issue year or the relevant historical year

• The last number indicates the sequence of that type in your collection