Ivo Rigter Sr.
Founder & Co Owner of BAIV and Tracksandtrade
+31 6 518 22 502 ivosr.rigter@tracksandtrade.com1942 M2A1 105mm Howitzer
- New
A beautifully restored, historic WWII 105 mm M2A1 Howitzer, manufactured by the United Engineering & Foundry Company in 1942. What makes this piece particularly interesting is its manufacturer: United Engineering & Foundry Co. was a private industrial manufacturer that contributed to America's wartime production effort. This adds a distinctive historical dimension to an already impressive piece of WWII artillery. Perfect for reenactment events or exhibitions, this howitzer will stan...
A beautifully restored, historic WWII 105 mm M2A1 Howitzer, manufactured by the United Engineering & Foundry Company in 1942. What makes this piece particularly interesting is its manufacturer: United Engineering & Foundry Co. was a private industrial manufacturer that contributed to America's wartime production effort. This adds a distinctive historical dimension to an already impressive piece of WWII artillery. Perfect for reenactment events or exhibitions, this howitzer will stand out as a showpiece. Whether displayed on its own or towed behind a military truck or armored vehicle, it is sure to turn heads and attract the attention of military history enthusiasts.
Location
Nederweert, The Netherlands
Year of construction
1942
Country of origin
United States of America
Manufacturer
United Eng. & F'D'Y Co.
Type
M2A1 105mm
Condition
Restored
Margin Goods
No margin goods;
VAT applicable
€ 35.000,-
Incl. commission
Details
Condition
This 105 mm howitzer has been recently restored by BAIV. The howitzer is historically accurate, with fully functional elevation and traverse mechanisms as expected from a high-quality restoration. The gun has not been deactivated but is not suitable for firing live ammunition. It is intended for blank/salute firing only. Depending on the buyer's country and applicable regulations, deactivation will likely be required before transfer or import.
Note 1: Our trusted partner, BAIV, is a certified arms dealer and an adaptive modifier of Category 2 weapons. They can assist with the deactivation process and, if necessary, the required (export) permits. Certain conditions apply.
Note 2: This item is advertised on Tracks & Trade, but the sale and all related transactions will be handled exclusively by BAIV B.V., the licensed arms dealer and official seller. Any required export and import permits will be arranged or coordinated through BAIV B.V., subject to applicable regulations.
Technical details
- Manufacturer
- United Eng. & F'D'Y Co.
- Model
- M2A1
- Gun/ Breech number
- 1407
- Gun manufacturer
- United Eng. & F'D'Y Co.
- Gun date of manufacturing
- 1942
- Mechanism type
- Recoil
- Craddle number
- 14761
- Craddle model
- M2A1
- Craddle date of manufacturing
- 1943
- Length
- 19 ft 6 in (5.94 m)
- Width
- 7 ft 3 in (2.31 m)
- Height
- 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m)
- Weight
- 4.980 lb (2.260 kg)
- Barrel length
- 7 ft 7 in (2.31 m)
- Caliber
- 4.1 in (105 mm)
- Rate of fire
- Up to 10 rounds per min.
- Range
- 7 mi (11,270 m)
- Crew
- 8
- Production numbers
- 10.200
- Condition gun
- Permits are required
Summary
The 105 mm Howitzer, specifically the M2A1 (later renamed M101), was developed by the U.S. Army Ordnance Department and entered service in 1941. Designed for mobility, reliability, and accuracy, it became a key artillery piece for American forces in World War II. Its development aimed to provide a versatile field howitzer capable of delivering high-explosive shells effectively against enemy troops, fortifications, and light armor. 10.200 were produced during the war.
One out of every five shells fired by the U.S. Army during the WW2 was a 105mm high explosive round. It weighed 42 pounds and was "semi-fixed," meaning it was supplied as a complete round, but the shell could be removed from the case and the number of the seven propelling charges could be adjusted for range.
Manufacturer
This 105 mm M2A1 Howitzer was manufactured by the United Engineering & Foundry Company in the United States of America in 1942. United Engineering & Foundry Co. was a private industrial manufacturer involved in America's wartime production effort during World War II. Its contribution reflects the important role of American heavy industry in supplying the Allied forces with essential military equipment. The 105 mm M2A1 became one of the standard field howitzers of the U.S. Army, valued for its reliability, mobility and effective fire support. This 1942 example represents an interesting piece of American wartime industrial and military history.
Model
The differences between the M2 and M2A1 howitzer had some modifications to the breech. The initial M2 carriage had electric brakes (which were powered by a small battery located near the rear of the right trail), and the later M2A1 carriage had the brakes removed (though in some instances the battery box might have remained on upgraded M2 carriages). In August 1943 the M2A2 carriage version was introduced with a larger shield and "buffer" mounted, and an enclosed screw traverse mechanism.
Deployment
During the Second World War, U.S. artillery regiments consisted of an HQ detachment, one 155 mm artillery battalion, and three 105 mm artillery battalions. Both the 155 mm and 105 mm battalions had twelve guns each, divided into three batteries of four guns. That gave each regiment a total of twelve 155 mm howitzers, and thirty-six 105 mm howitzers.
Deployed primarily by U.S. infantry and artillery units, the 105 mm howitzer saw extensive action in both the European and Pacific theaters, as well as in subsequent conflicts such as the Korean and Vietnam wars. Known for its durability and ease of use, it became a mainstay in artillery arsenals worldwide and was purchased by 67 different countries with many armies adopting the M101 after WWII.
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