1944 M55 Machine Gun Trailer Mount

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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
M55
Condition
Class A restored and in great condition

Details

Condition

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.

Feel free to get in touch

Ivo Rigter Sr.

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