Lot number 526
1944 M55 Machine Gun Trailer Mount
The M45 Quadmount with M20 trailer is a highly sought-after piece for military reenactments. Its full functionality and authentic appearance will always draw a crowd when the smooth running traverse and elevation mechanism makes the four machine guns point in all directions. Whether it's mounted on the ground, on a trailer, or in the back of a Half-track, "The Meatchopper", is an unforgettable sight making it a centerpiece for any historical display or event.
Location
Lieshout, The Netherlands
Year of construction
1944
Country of origin
United States of America
Manufacturer
W.L. Maxson Corporation
Type
M45
Condition
Class A restored and in great condition
Starting bid
€ 3.500
Margin Goods
Yes margin goods;
No VAT applicable
Details
Conditions
This fully restored M55 Quadmount (class A) is in perfect condition, as seen in recent photos, and is fully functional. The restoration of the M45 Quadmount and the matching M20 trailer took place in 2021. After more than a year and a half of intensive restoration this historic object has been transformed into a true masterpiece. The Quadmount is equipped with four replica .50 machine guns, preserving the iconic look of its infamous nickname, "The Meatchopper."
All components have been fully restored, including the generator (Briggs & Stratton 8fb). The traction battery, which provides extended operating time, is not included in the sale but is available for separate purchase.
This M55 comes with a wide range of additional items:
Four replica .50 machine guns;
Four "tombstones" (ammo holders);
Sight (M18) and matching storage box;
Three drawbars/jacks;
Two lamp tubes;
Fully restored generator;
Cover frame for use with two 6V batteries;
Two heat shields behind the seat (already installed).
Note: Blank ammunition and ammunition boxes displayed on the grass, and the crew mannequin are for display purposes only and are not included in the sale.
Technical details
- Manufacturer
- W.L. Maxson Corporation
- Model quad mount
- M45
- Serial number
- 3390-K
- Manufacturing date
- 1944
- Model Trailer
- M20
- Length
- 6 ft 4.5 in
- Width
- 6 ft 9 in
- Height
- 4 ft 7.0 in
- Barrel length
- 5 ft 3 in (1.6 m) L/50
- Weight
- 2.396 lb. (1.087 kg)
- Power
- 2x 6V batteries
- Generator
- 6V
- Armor
- Yes
- Caliber
- 4x 0.50 in (12,7 kg)
- Elevation
- -5° to +90°
- Traverse
- 360°
- Muzzle velocity
- 4 x 575= 2.300 rpm
- Muzzle velocity
- 2.900 ft/s (890 m/s)
- Maximum firing range
- 1,1 mi (1,8 km) (horizontal); 1,6 mi (2,5 km) (maximum)
- Feed system
- Belt-fed (M2 or M9 links)
- Crew
- 1
- Production numbers
- Approx 1.800 M45 Quadmounts
History
During World War II, Landers, Frary & Clark produced what has become one of the iconic weapons of the war, the Multiple Caliber .50 Machine Gun Mount M45, more commonly known as the Maxson Quadmount.
The gun mount was developed at the request of the U.S. Army for light anti-aircraft weapons. W.L Maxson Corporation played a crucial role in the development of the M45 Quadmount. They were responsible for designing the rotating and mounting system characteristic of the M45, known as the 'Maxson Mount'. This system made it possible to mount and aim four .50-caliber Browning machine guns on a rotating base, making the weapon highly effective against aerial threats.
Maxson was the designer and developer of the Quadmount system, but the production was entrusted to other companies, such as Landers, Frary & Clark. The turret was tested successfully and immediately adopted by the U.S. Army. The turret was originally equipped with two .50 cal. machine guns but quickly redesigned to mount 4 guns because of the availability of the .50 cal. Browning Machine Gun.
Deployment
The gun mount was designed for anti-aircraft applications with a capability of a high rate of concentrated fire. The quadmount was towed behind a half-track or other ammunition carriers. It was also mounted in half-tracks and 2.5 ton trucks. In the half-track installation the mount was lifted from the trailer and placed on mounting rings in the half-track. For the 2.5 ton truck installation the M20 trailer was lifted as one unit and secured to the back of the 2.5 ton truck. The quadmount weighed approximately 2500 lbs.
Mountings
During World War II, the M45 turret was mounted on two specific systems; the M16 Multiple Gun Motor Carriage and the M51 Multiple Machine Gun Carriage. When mounted on the M20 trailer, it was known as the M55 Machine Gun Trailer Mount, but this system had not finished testing before the cessation of hostilities. M51s were withdrawn from service by the end of World War II in favor of the M55.
Design
The armored pod covers the legs of the gunner. The two handles in the center of the quadmount articulate to traverse and elevate the gun and house the firing triggers. Rotating the handles forward depresses the guns, while rotating back performs elevation. Pushing the left handle forward rotates the quadmount clockwise looking down while pushing the right handle forward rotates the quadmount counter-clockwise looking downward. The speed of elevation and traverse is proportional to the amount of movement of the handles. The gun sight is located at the top of the mount. Four 200 round ammunition chests are mounted next to each .50 cal. machine gun. The quadmount will elevate, depress or traverse at rates up to 60 degrees per second.
Active Service
Quadmounts were used in both the Pacific and European theaters. As enemy aircraft became less plentiful near the end of the war, the quadmount evolved into an anti-personnel weapon. In Europe when enemy snipers were hidden in trees, it was not unusual to pull up a half-track and quadmount to counter the threat. Instead of firing at the suspected location of the snipers, the quadmount gunner would aim at the base of the trees and fire. The high concentration of projectiles would literally mow down the trees taking out the snipers along with others at the same time. In the Pacific theater, the quadmount was effective against "dug-in" Japanese positions because of its high rate and high concentration of fire. It was affectionately nicknamed the "meat chopper".
The Landers, Frary & Clark M45 gun mount not only served in World War Two, but also in Korea and Vietnam. In Vietnam it was used by both the French and the American forces during the entire war.
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
