This is a German wooden ammunition crate which held 2 shell cases for the captured Russian 122mm artillery gun in German service.The German Wehrmacht utilized captured Soviet 122mm artillery, primarily the 122 mm howitzer M1938 (M-30), during World War II, designating them 12.2 cm s.F.H.396(r) (schwere Feldhaubitze 396, Russian).
Captured in large numbers during the German invasion, they were often paired with other captured ordnance, such as the 7.62cm FK288(r)
Condition
The crate retains most of its original brown-stained finish. It shows expected signs of age including dirt, surface discoloration, and minor wear, but remains completely solid and stable, not breaking apart or deteriorating.The crate does have a few cracks in the wood and has had woodworm at some point but has been treated.
A small maker’s mark is present on the side with maker dated 1944 on the lid it has all its black stamped maker markings clear to see. Both hinges remain intact and in good condition, with one locking catch still fully functional and retaining traces of green paint. The lid opens and closes correctly without issue. A rope carry handle is also still present.
Inside there is no paper labels or racking but has the shell slots still on each end. The interior shows typical knocks and usage marks, but nothing significant for its age and purpose.
Overall, this is a fine and scarce example of a specialised ammunition crate, ideal for display or any serious collection and comes with 2 x A5 laminated information cards, including many photographs.
The crate was bought on a local military fair in Arnhem in 2025.The ammunition crate was found locally in the Arnhem area used in the battle of September 1944 in the Netherlands.
German forces used captured Russian 122mm artillery at Arnhem during Operation Market Garden in September 1944. These weapons, designated by the Germans as the 12.2 cm s.F.H.396(r) (captured M1938 M-30 howitzers), were part of the heavy artillery units utilized to bombard the British 1st Airborne Division positions in Oosterbeek and around the Arnhem bridge.
This is a German wooden ammunition crate which held 2 shell cases for the captured Russian 122mm artillery gun in German service.The German Wehrmacht utilized captured Soviet 122mm artillery, primarily the 122 mm howitzer M1938 (M-30), during World War II, designating them 12.2 cm s.F.H.396(r) (schwere Feldhaubitze 396, Russian).
Captured in large numbers during the German invasion, they were often paired with other captured ordnance, such as the 7.62cm FK288(r)
Condition
The crate retains most of its original brown-stained finish. It shows expected signs of age including dirt, surface discoloration, and minor wear, but remains completely solid and stable, not breaking apart or deteriorating.The crate does have a few cracks in the wood and has had woodworm at some point but has been treated.
A small maker’s mark is present on the side with maker dated 1944 on the lid it has all its black stamped maker markings clear to see. Both hinges remain intact and in good condition, with one locking catch still fully functional and retaining traces of green paint. The lid opens and closes correctly without issue. A rope carry handle is also still present.
Inside there is no paper labels or racking but has the shell slots still on each end. The interior shows typical knocks and usage marks, but nothing significant for its age and purpose.
Overall, this is a fine and scarce example of a specialised ammunition crate, ideal for display or any serious collection and comes with 2 x A5 laminated information cards, including many photographs.
The crate was bought on a local military fair in Arnhem in 2025.The ammunition crate was found locally in the Arnhem area used in the battle of September 1944 in the Netherlands.
German forces used captured Russian 122mm artillery at Arnhem during Operation Market Garden in September 1944. These weapons, designated by the Germans as the 12.2 cm s.F.H.396(r) (captured M1938 M-30 howitzers), were part of the heavy artillery units utilized to bombard the British 1st Airborne Division positions in Oosterbeek and around the Arnhem bridge.
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