Lot number 424

M44 155mm

Cosmetically restored/ non-runner/ no powerpack.

Movie: M44 Self Propelled Howitzer 155mm

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Location
Full-Reuenthal, Switzerland
Year of construction
1950-1954
Country of origin
United States of America
Manufacturer
Massey Harris Company
Type
M44 Self Propelled Howitzer 155mm
Estimated price
€ 50.000 - € 75.000
Condition
Cosmetically restored/non-runner

Details

conditions

In need of full restoration but reasonably complete. The M44 is cosmetically restored but currently a non-runner (no powerpack).

Technical details

Manufacturer
Massey Harris Company
Model
M44 Self Propelled Howitzer 155mm
Manufacturing date
1950-1954
Serial number
414
Serial number (gun)
7307020
Length
20 ft 3 in (6,16 m)
Width
10 ft 8 in (3,24 m)
Height
10 ft 2 in (3,11 m)
Weight
63.934 lb (29.000 kg)
Max. speed (land)
35 mph (56 km/h)
Operational range
75 mi (121 km)
Main armament
M114 155mm howitzer.
Secondary armament
M2Hb cal .50 machine gun
Engine
Continental AOS-895-3, 450 hp
Crew
5 (2 loaders, gunner, commander, driver)
Armor
0,47 in (12 mm)
Production numbers
250

History

At the end of World War II, the U.S. Army was well-equipped with self-propelled artillery pieces based on the M4 medium and M24 light tanks. In 1946, the Stillwell Board specified new requirements for future self-propelled artillery which included overhead protection from air bursts, something the wartime designs lacked.

In 1946-47 development of a self-propelled 155-mm howitzer based on the T41 light tank started. The new self-propelled howitzer was designated T99 and it included a fully-enclosed gun mount. The start of the Korean War in June 1950 led to a “crash” program to get the vehicle into production. At the time it entered production in 1951, it was redesignated T99E1. The crash program resulted in many deficiencies in the vehicle including poorly designed fire control equipment and heavy build up of toxic fumes in the enclosed howitzer compartment.

In order to address the problems found during testing, production of the T99E1 ended after 250 vehicles were built. Changes to the T99E1 included a newly designed 155-mm howitzer, elimination of the fighting compartment roof, new ammunition using bagged charges instead of a metal cartridge case and other smaller items. Production restarted in 1953-1954 with the T99E1 being redesignated as the T194. It was later standardized at the 155-mm self-propelled howitzer M44. The original 250 T99E1’s were all rebuilt to M44 standards.

Some vehicles of this type were exported to NATO countries.

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

  • Viewing days are available for this lot:

    Switzerland: April 5 and April 13, 2024, Full-Reuenthal. Check the viewing day page for specific details.

  • 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.