Lot number 425

M26 Pershing

This M26 Pershing offered for auction is a real time capsule on tracks, entirely in its original state. It’s a collector’s dream and an unforgettable experience to be the first to restore this vehicle. A serious US WW-II tank collection isn’t complete without an authentic Pershing. Just over 2000 M26 Pershing tanks were built (compared to the more than 50,000 Sherman tanks) making it a very rare and sought-after tank.

Movie: M26 Pershing

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Location
Wichita, Kansas, USA
Year of construction
May 1945
Country of origin
United States of America
Manufacturer
Fisher Tank Arsenal
Type
M26
Estimated price
€ 190.000 - € 250.000
Condition
Unrestored / non-runner

Details

conditions

This M26 Pershing offered for auction is a real time capsule on tracks, entirely in its original state.

  • Unrestored (non-runner) but very complete;

  • Original gun tube with muzzle thread protector;

  • Gun is missing the Breech ring.

Restoration & transportation

Do you have an interest in this mighty tank but lack the knowledge, experience, or means to restore it or transport it to your location? BAIV has expertise in fully restoring a M26 Pershing and can realistically estimate both time and restoration costs. Additionally, BAIV has extensive experience in the international transport of tanks. Contact us to discuss the possibilities. Owning a restored M26 Pershing may be closer than you think.

Technical details

Manufacturer
Fisher Tank Arsenal
Model
M26
Manufacturing date
May 1945
Serial number
S786
Length
28 ft 4,5 in (8,65 m
Width
11 ft 6 in (3,51 m)
Height
9 ft 1,5 in (2,78 m)
Weight
92.335 lb (41.000 kg)
Max. speed (land)
30 mph (48 km/h)
Operational range
100 mi (160 km)
Main armament
90 mm gun M3
Secondary armament
2x cal .30-06 M1919 Browning, 1x cal .50 M2 Browning. Not included.
Engine
Ford GAF, 8 cyl. , gasoline, 525 hp
Crew
5 (commander, gunner, loader, driver, co-driver)
Armor
2 – 4 in (50 -102 mm)
Production numbers
2.202

History

The M26 Pershing is a heavy tank/medium tank formerly used by the United States Army. It was designed and built to counter the German heavy tanks like the Tiger, Panzer and Panther.
Compared to the Sherman and previous models, the Pershing was revolutionary. The new Wright engine and short transmission gave it a low profile, as opposed to the Sherman. The glacis plate was one of the thickest ever fitted on an American tank to that point. The torsion bar system conferred a noticeably better ride and was leagues ahead of the tractor-based VVSS, as well as simpler than the HVSS. The large tracks fitted with soft steel shoes contributed to lowering the ground pressure and giving better grip on soft terrain. Above them, two wide mudguards mounted large storage bins for tooling, spares and equipment.


Based on the criteria of firepower, mobility, and protection, US historian R. P. Hunnicutt ranked the Pershing behind the German Tiger II heavy tank, but ahead of the Tiger I heavy and Panther medium tanks.


Although the tank was deployed late in the Second World War, it still made a significant contribution during several battles during the advance towards Berlin. It had also a substantial impact during the Korean War, where it distinguished itself admirably by disabling over half of the T34/85 tanks encountered.

Note to buyer

LOCATION

  • The location of any Lot is indicated with the specific lot number. Specific address details will be provided upon request and to the successful bidder / Buyer.

INSPECTION(S)/ VIEWING DAYS

  • Inspections (viewing days) are on:

    • USA: Friday April 5, Saturday April 6 and Friday April 19, 2024.

  • Given the fact that these are often very special items whose condition, no matter how hard we try, cannot always be described 100% completely, we really recommend that you make use of this.

IMPORTANT DATES

  • Bidding Open: Friday April 19 2024 00:00 CET (Dutch American Friendship Day),

  • Bidding Ends:

    • Saturday April 20 2024 (Part 1 vehicles)

TIMES

  • Amsterdam NL (CET): 06:00 PM (18:00)

  • London: 05:00 PM (17:00)

  • New York USA: 12:00 AM (12:00)

  • Sydney AUS: 04:00 AM (04:00),next day

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

  • The batches of spare parts, various 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

  • Due to our participation in the commemorations of D-DAY in Normandy France collection of all lots is scheduled for the period June 17 till 28 2024. However, for buyers who want to participate with their purchased lot at the 80th Anniversary Commemorations in Normandy this can of course be deviated from. In such a case please let us know soonest.
    import and 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 by June 28, 2024 after full payment and 100% coverage of all legal requirements. 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 before June 28 2024 will be returned to secure storage at Buyer’s expense. In this case storage fees will be applied as follows:

    • Parts & accessories: € 25,- / lot / week.

    • Cars and motorcycles: € 50,- / lot / week.

    • Armored vehicles, tanks, cannons etc. € 75,- / lot / week.

  • Listed storage fees excluding 21% VAT.

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

Ivo Rigter Sr.