1942 Bofors 40mm M1 L/60 AA gun

This WW II Bofors 40 mm AA cannon has been fully restored between 2003 and 2004. The restoration work has returned the cannon to full functionality, making it a true showpiece at any event and a impressive sight towed behind a truck during parades. It comes with several original items like the original toolbox.

Location
Mulhouse, France
Year of construction
Gun 1942/ Carriage 1943
Country of origin
United States of America
Manufacturer
Bofors AB
Type
40 mm, M1 L/60
Condition
Older restoration/ In good condition
Starting bid
€ 2.500

Details

Condition

This Bofors cannon, originally complete but cut into sections for demilitarization, has been expertly rewelded and fully restored between 2003 and 2004. The restoration work has returned the cannon to full functionality, making it a true showpiece at any event and a impressive sight towed behind a truck during parades. Although the cannon has been deactivated, it does not yet conform to current deactivation laws, so additional measures will need to be taken.

Technical details

Manufacturer gun
Bofors AB
Model gun
40 mm, M1 (US Navy)
Manufacturing date gun
1942
Breech casing number
4808
Manufacturer carriage
Firestone Tire & Rubber Co.
Model carriage
40 mm M2 (AA) A1
Manufacturing date carriage
1943
Serial number carriage
12046
Length (travel)
20 f 11 in (6,38 m)
Width (travel)
5 ft 7 in (1,72 m)
Height (travel)
6 ft 6 in (2 m)
Weight
5.511 lb (2,5 ton)
Barrel length
7 ft 4 in (2,25 m)
Muzzle velocity
2788 ft/s (850 m/s) for HE or AP
Elevation
-5 to + 90 degree
Rate of fire
120 to 140 rmp cyclic
Range (maximum horizontal)
2,95 mi (4,75 km)
Range (maximum vertical)
2,85 mi (4,6 km)
Crew
3 on mount (4 to 6 in total)
Production numbers
60.000+

History

The 40 mm Bofors L/60 is an anti-aircraft gun developed by the Swedish company AB Bofors in the 1930s. The weapon quickly became one of the most successful and widely used anti-aircraft guns of the 20th century, primarily due to its effectiveness and reliability.

 

Development

The development of the Bofors 40 mm L/60 began in 1928 when the Swedish military needed a modern anti-aircraft gun to replace their outdated systems. The first prototype was completed in 1930, and after further testing and adjustments, the weapon entered production in 1936. The Bofors L/60 combined a relatively high rate of fire (up to 120 rounds per minute) with an effective 40 mm caliber, which allowed it to effectively target fast-moving aircraft at low and medium altitudes.

 

Use and Distribution

The Bofors 40 mm L/60 was quickly adopted by several countries due to its excellent performance. During World War II, the gun became a standard piece of anti-aircraft artillery for many Allied nations, including the United Kingdom, the United States, and the Soviet Union. The U.S. Navy, for example, installed the Bofors on a wide range of ships, from destroyers to battleships. The weapon played a crucial role in protecting Allied convoys from air attacks, particularly from the Luftwaffe and the Imperial Japanese Navy.

 

Use in Wars

The Bofors 40 mm L/60 saw extensive use during World War II and continued to be employed in later conflicts such as the Korean War, the Suez Crisis, the Vietnam War, and various other regional conflicts. Although it was eventually replaced by more modern anti-aircraft systems, such as guided missiles, the Bofors remained in use in various roles, including as naval anti-aircraft artillery and in armored vehicles.

 

Modernization and Replacement

Over time, the Bofors L/60 was modernized and adapted to meet the changing needs of armed forces. For instance, in the 1950s, the Bofors L/70 was introduced, an improved version with a longer barrel and a higher rate of fire. Despite its successor, the L/70, the original L/60 remained in service for many years, especially in smaller countries or as a secondary anti-aircraft system.

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.

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Ivo Rigter Sr.

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