This is an original German wooden ammunition crate for the 15cm sFH 18 heavy field howitzer. The crate was designed to hold three separate propelling charges, either in brass or steel cartridge cases, used with the 15cm artillery ammunition.
The crate is in very good original condition and retains most of its original black painted finish. The lid still displays traces of its original white stencilled manufacturer's markings, together with the original red identification stripe. Interestingly, the crate has no visible manufacturer's name, which is unusual and may indicate production during 1943, when wartime manufacturing standards and marking practices became increasingly simplified under Germany's Total War economy.
The crate shows the expected signs of wartime service, including minor scuffs, dirt, discolouration and light wear, all adding to its authenticity. It remains structurally sound, with no signs of the wood breaking up or deteriorating. There has been evidence of very light woodworm in the past, but this has been professionally treated and is no longer active.
Both original hinges are present and in excellent working order, allowing the lid to open and close smoothly. The original locking mechanism is complete and functions correctly, while both wooden carrying handles remain intact and undamaged. Overall, this is a fine example of an increasingly difficult-to-find German artillery ammunition crate and would make an excellent display piece for any military collection.
The crate was recovered from an old building in the Orel Salient, an area that saw some of the heaviest fighting during the opening stages of Operation Citadel, the German offensive at Kursk, and the subsequent Soviet counter-offensive during July and August 1943.
Included with the crate are two A5 laminated information cards featuring:
On 12th July 1943, the Soviet Army launched Operation Kutuzov, a major counter-offensive against the Orel Salient that threatened the flank and rear of General Model's Ninth Army. In response, the German 12th Panzer Division, together with the 36th Motorised Infantry Division, 18th Panzer Division and 20th Panzer Division, was diverted from the Kursk offensive to confront the advancing Soviet forces. The fierce fighting around Orel marked the beginning of the collapse of the German offensive and shifted the strategic initiative permanently to the Red Army.
This is a scarce and historically significant German artillery ammunition crate from one of the decisive campaigns of the Second World War, making it an outstanding addition to any collection of German militaria, artillery, or Battle of Kursk relics.
This is an original German wooden ammunition crate for the 15cm sFH 18 heavy field howitzer. The crate was designed to hold three separate propelling charges, either in brass or steel cartridge cases, used with the 15cm artillery ammunition.
The crate is in very good original condition and retains most of its original black painted finish. The lid still displays traces of its original white stencilled manufacturer's markings, together with the original red identification stripe. Interestingly, the crate has no visible manufacturer's name, which is unusual and may indicate production during 1943, when wartime manufacturing standards and marking practices became increasingly simplified under Germany's Total War economy.
The crate shows the expected signs of wartime service, including minor scuffs, dirt, discolouration and light wear, all adding to its authenticity. It remains structurally sound, with no signs of the wood breaking up or deteriorating. There has been evidence of very light woodworm in the past, but this has been professionally treated and is no longer active.
Both original hinges are present and in excellent working order, allowing the lid to open and close smoothly. The original locking mechanism is complete and functions correctly, while both wooden carrying handles remain intact and undamaged. Overall, this is a fine example of an increasingly difficult-to-find German artillery ammunition crate and would make an excellent display piece for any military collection.
The crate was recovered from an old building in the Orel Salient, an area that saw some of the heaviest fighting during the opening stages of Operation Citadel, the German offensive at Kursk, and the subsequent Soviet counter-offensive during July and August 1943.
Included with the crate are two A5 laminated information cards featuring:
On 12th July 1943, the Soviet Army launched Operation Kutuzov, a major counter-offensive against the Orel Salient that threatened the flank and rear of General Model's Ninth Army. In response, the German 12th Panzer Division, together with the 36th Motorised Infantry Division, 18th Panzer Division and 20th Panzer Division, was diverted from the Kursk offensive to confront the advancing Soviet forces. The fierce fighting around Orel marked the beginning of the collapse of the German offensive and shifted the strategic initiative permanently to the Red Army.
This is a scarce and historically significant German artillery ammunition crate from one of the decisive campaigns of the Second World War, making it an outstanding addition to any collection of German militaria, artillery, or Battle of Kursk relics.
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