This is half of a German 3.7cm Flak shell carry case, notable for still retaining all of its internal racking, which is nearly complete and solid. The box is in good, solid condition, showing some rust holes and surface rust but still retains its carry handle. It has been carefully cleaned and preserves some of its original paint and colour. No markings are visible. Despite its relic status, it is very solid, not breaking apart, and is perfect for display or inclusion in any collection.
Provenance: the case was used by the 12th SS Panzer Division and recovered in 2007 from the surface of the woods in the Ardennes Forest near the village of Krinkelt. The village was attacked by the division on 17-18 December during the Battle of the Bulge, Winter 1944-1945. The item comes with an A5 laminated information sheet.
During the night of 17-18 December, tanks from the 12th SS, after being freed from the mud, broke through the U.S. lines and pushed into Krinkelt, only to be expelled by a rapid counterattack. In the first three days of fighting at Krinkelt and Rocherath, the 12th SS Panzer Division Hitler Youth lost 67 of its 136 tanks. The fighting was intense, and because American troops had heard that the SS were executing captives, few prisoners were taken on either side.
This is half of a German 3.7cm Flak shell carry case, notable for still retaining all of its internal racking, which is nearly complete and solid. The box is in good, solid condition, showing some rust holes and surface rust but still retains its carry handle. It has been carefully cleaned and preserves some of its original paint and colour. No markings are visible. Despite its relic status, it is very solid, not breaking apart, and is perfect for display or inclusion in any collection.
Provenance: the case was used by the 12th SS Panzer Division and recovered in 2007 from the surface of the woods in the Ardennes Forest near the village of Krinkelt. The village was attacked by the division on 17-18 December during the Battle of the Bulge, Winter 1944-1945. The item comes with an A5 laminated information sheet.
During the night of 17-18 December, tanks from the 12th SS, after being freed from the mud, broke through the U.S. lines and pushed into Krinkelt, only to be expelled by a rapid counterattack. In the first three days of fighting at Krinkelt and Rocherath, the 12th SS Panzer Division Hitler Youth lost 67 of its 136 tanks. The fighting was intense, and because American troops had heard that the SS were executing captives, few prisoners were taken on either side.
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