1944 M2A1 105mm Howitzer
A beautifully restored, historic WWII 105 mm howitzer. Perfect for reenactment events or exhibitions, this howitzer will stand out as a showpiece. Whether showcased on its own or towed behind a military truck or armored vehicle, it’s sure to turn heads.
Location
Nederweert, The Netherlands
Year of construction
1944
Country of origin
United States of America
Manufacturer
Rock Island Arsenal / Kia Machine Tool
Type
M2A1 105 mm
Condition
In restored (Class A-B) and deactivated condition
Margin Goods
No margin goods;
VAT applicable
€ 30.245,-
Incl. commission
Details
Conditions
This 105 mm howitzer has been recently restored by BAIV to Class A-B standards. The howitzer is historically accurate, with fully functional elevation and traverse mechanisms as expected from a high-quality restoration. The gun has been deactivated according to Dutch regulations. For export additional deactivation is required.
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. We advise you to contact Track & Trade before bidding to discuss options and potential costs.
Note 2: Additional items in the photo's like ammunition boxes and shells are not included in the sale.
Technical details
- Manufacturer
- Chain Belt Company/ Rock Island Arnsenal
- Model
- M2A1
- Carriage number
- 7909
- Carriage model
- M2A2, Pulman standard
- Carriage date of manufacturing
- 1941
- Mechanism number
- 351
- Mechanism type
- Recoil
- Mechanism manufacturer
- Rock Island Arsenal
- Mechanism date of manufacturing
- 1941
- Gun/ Breech number
- 8927
- Gun model
- M2A1
- Gun manufacturer
- Chain Belt Company, Wisconsin
- Gun date of manufacturing
- 1944
- 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
- Deactivated for Dutch possession. For export additional deactivation and permits are required.
History
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 produced by the Chain Belt Company, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In 1944 the company started also to produce rifles, howitzers, anti-aircraft guns (rifles), tank turrets, ammunition hoists for navy vessels and turrets, tracks, and gun shields for the LVT(A)-1 Alligator due to the ever-growing request from the Army.
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.
Note to buyer
BUYER’S PREMIUM
On all lots a buyer’s premium of 16,5% of the hammer price is charged. Over this buyer’s premium a 21% sales tax (VAT) will be applicable.
PARTS, ACCESSOIRIES & MILITARIA
Spare parts, accessories and militaria are sold in as-is condition and delivered without any guarantee of functioning.
VEHICLES & VEHICLE RELATED EQUIPMENT
Cars, motorcycles, trucks, cannons or howitzers, armored vehicles, and tanks are sold in as-is condition, with no technical guarantee and guarantee of authenticity and with or without registration.
ARMS & WEAPONS
The Auction House will not supply ANY item unless the correct paperwork and licensing – if needed – has been supplied by the Buyer in full.
If required and applicable (fire)arms can be made inoperable or permanently disabled by BAIV in The Netherlands as being a licensed Arms & Weapons Dealer Registration Nr. NL20191618779. In this case all relevant cost will be charged to the Buyer in addition and have to be paid in advance in full. Collection by appointment only!
MARGIN/ VAT
However, for most of the lots 21% sales tax (VAT) over the hammer price will be not applicable, it might be that in some specific cases sales tax (VAT) over the hammer price will be charged. In such a case this will be specifically specified in the lot description. For all other lots the margin scheme will be applicable. For more info see our General Conditions of Sale Article 9 on our website; www.tracksandtrade.com
COLLECTION
Parts, accessories, and militaria
The collection of the lots, subject to payment, is by appointment only. The date and time for collecting the goods will be arranged in consultation with the seller.
Vehicles
Vehicles can be picked up, subject to payment, by appointment only. The date and time for collecting vehicles will be arranged in consultation with the seller.
Handling costs for the removal of the vehicles will, when applicable, be applied at cost.
Arms & weapons
The Auction House will not supply ANY item unless the correct paperwork and licensing – if needed - have been supplied in full. If required and applicable (fire)arms can be made inoperable or permanently disabled by BAIV in The Netherlands as being a licensed Arms & Weapons Dealer Registration Nr. NL20191618779. In this case all relevant cost will be charged to the Buyer in addition and have to be paid in advance in full. Collection by appointment only.
IMPORT & EXPORT
Depending on the destination and content of the Lot the Buyer shall obtain an International Import Certificate / End User Certificate. Some of the items listed in the auction may require special licenses or permits or existing documents must be prepared for export. If this is relevant, Tracks & Trade will take care of this. The applicable costs will be charged to the successful bidder. Please email [email protected] if you have any questions or concerns. No item will be allowed to be collected without 100% of all legal requirements being fulfilled.
DELIVERY
Removal of lots must be completed:
After full payment and 100% coverage of all legal requirements.
Within 6 weeks after the auction had ended (November 30, 2024). No storage fees will be applicable until that date.
Shipping and packing costs and special costs that arise for loading special items, such as crane costs or costs for hiring special equipment etc., will be charged to the Buyer on the basis of actual costs + a surcharge of 10%. Naturally, you can count on us when it comes to the shipment of your purchases. We are happy to take care of that.
STORAGE
Lots not picked up by Buyers within 6 weeks after the auction had ended (November 30, 2024) will be returned to secure storage at Buyer’s expense. In this case storage fees will be applicable. Contact Tracks & Trade for costs and conditions.
NOTE
If you have any specific questions, please contact us either by telephone (+31 6 518 22 502) or E-mail ([email protected]). We are happy to help and support you through the entire process. We will do our utmost to please and comfort you. So, don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.
GENERAL CONDITIONS
All information and transactions are subject to the general terms and conditions (Version 2.0 dated 29-04-2022). For more detailed information visit our website.
Shipping Information
After buying a classic military vehicle or other items such as cannons, planes, howitzers and tanks, there are several steps you would typically need to take:
Legalities
In principle, no special permit is required for unarmored wheeled and tracked vehicles. In many cases, an export procedure that is comparable to that for exporting classic cars and motorcycles is sufficient. Military collectables older than 75 years and with a value over Euro 50k are often considered National Heritage. In such cases an export permit must be requested from the National Ministry of Culture of the exporting country. Tanks, howitzers and self-propelled or towed cannons often require specific permits that are highly dependent on the country of shipment and the country of destination. In such a case first ensure that you apply for the necessary permits, licenses, and other paperwork required to own and operate such an item in your jurisdiction. This may involve registering the item with the appropriate authorities and complying with any regulations regarding its ownership and use. In such a case it is advisable to contact us in advance because we have many decades of experience in the import and export of Classic Military Heritage. Based on this experience, we can generally quickly provide feedback on what applies to you. This is especially relevant because regulations in this regard change every now and then and sometimes, we also have to deal with export-restrictions. In short: if you want to be sure, contact us in time to avoid difficulties in a later stage.
Storage
Find a suitable storage location for your collectable, preferably a secure and legal place where you can keep it when not in use. This could be a garage, warehouse, or even a specially designed storage facility or museum.
Transportation
After you have all paperwork in place next step will be the (oversees) transport to your desired location. This may involve hiring specialized transport and broker services due to permits, size and weight. Als in this case we can support you with organizing the transport or make sure you get in contact with some experts.
Maintenance and Restoration
Depending on the condition of your military collectable our partner BAIV can help you with maintenance and restoration work to ensure that it is safe and operational. This could involve relatively easy maintenance and repair, service till a Class-A restoration. In such a case please contact BAIV (link to BAIV website).
Training
If you intend to operate a vehicle then make sure you have manuals that describe how the operate vehicle. Nowadays there are numerous reprints available on the Internet that explain you in a playful way how to drive and operate your vehicle. This is often a team effort, which makes owning such a vehicle extra attractive. If required, you can also involve hiring a professional instructor or attending specialized training courses to learn how to drive and maintain it safely. In such a case, our partner BAIV can also support you.
Insurance
Consider obtaining insurance coverage for your vehicle to protect yourself against any potential accidents or liabilities that may arise from owning and operating it. Often there are specialized insurance companies offering these kinds of services. Local military vehicle clubs often also know their way around the specific options offered by insurance companies.
Enjoyment
Finally, once everything is in place, you can enjoy owning and, if permitted, operating your classic military vehicle, cannon or howitzer. Whether it's for display purposes or for participating in historical reenactments, owning such a great unit can be a unique and rewarding experience.
Feel free to get in touch
