This is aGerman Wooden ammunition crate for 15cm SFH18 artillery gun which held 3 separate propelling charges either in brass or steel.
The crate is in very nice condition, with the wood still retaining most of its original black paintwork with its white stamped maker markings on the top of the lid partly clear to see also red stripe with no maker mark which is unusual properly meaning made in 1943 the total war year where standards started dropping.The crate shows some dirt, discoloration, and minor damage from use. The crate remains solid, not breaking up or falling apart. It has experienced some very light woodworm, but this has been treated, and the box is well preserved. Both hinges are intact and in good condition; the lock does work properly and the hinges are in good condition and working the lid opens and closes without issue. The wooden carry handles are there and not broken it is a fine example of this unusual crate which is perfect for display or any collection. The crate was recovered from inside an old building in the area of Orel Salient which was heavily fought over during the opening battles in Operation Citadel during the German Kursk offensive and Russian counterattack in July-August 1943 in Russia. The crate comes with 2 laminated A5 information cards featuring photographs and a map.
On 12 July the Soviets launched operation Kutuzov, their counter-offensive upon the Orel salient, which threatened the flank and rear of Model's 9th Army. The 12th Panzer Division, thus far held in reserve and slated to be committed to the northern side of the Kursk salient, along with the 36th Motorized Infantry, 18th Panzer and 20th Panzer Divisions were redeployed to face the Soviet spearheads
This is aGerman Wooden ammunition crate for 15cm SFH18 artillery gun which held 3 separate propelling charges either in brass or steel.
The crate is in very nice condition, with the wood still retaining most of its original black paintwork with its white stamped maker markings on the top of the lid partly clear to see also red stripe with no maker mark which is unusual properly meaning made in 1943 the total war year where standards started dropping.The crate shows some dirt, discoloration, and minor damage from use. The crate remains solid, not breaking up or falling apart. It has experienced some very light woodworm, but this has been treated, and the box is well preserved. Both hinges are intact and in good condition; the lock does work properly and the hinges are in good condition and working the lid opens and closes without issue. The wooden carry handles are there and not broken it is a fine example of this unusual crate which is perfect for display or any collection. The crate was recovered from inside an old building in the area of Orel Salient which was heavily fought over during the opening battles in Operation Citadel during the German Kursk offensive and Russian counterattack in July-August 1943 in Russia. The crate comes with 2 laminated A5 information cards featuring photographs and a map.
On 12 July the Soviets launched operation Kutuzov, their counter-offensive upon the Orel salient, which threatened the flank and rear of Model's 9th Army. The 12th Panzer Division, thus far held in reserve and slated to be committed to the northern side of the Kursk salient, along with the 36th Motorized Infantry, 18th Panzer and 20th Panzer Divisions were redeployed to face the Soviet spearheads
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