This is a German 2 shell holder wooden crate which held KwK40 75mm rounds fired by Panzer 4 tank unfortunately it is missing its lid.The box is in nice condition the wood still retains a most of its original black paintwork it has only light damage in places from use the most damage is to the top where the lid is missing, the crate is still very solid not braking up or falling apart no wood worm either a well preserved box on the side it is maker marked with waffen stamp and on the front it has white stamp maker markings.The crate also has both its rope carry handles but missing its locks.On the inside some knocks and marks from use but nothing bad there is no internal racking but it is perfect for display or any collection.The crate comes with 2xA5 laminated information cards withpictures and diagram. The crate along with other parts were taken from abandoned German vehicles after the war in the village of Mont which is just North of Houffalize all the vehicles belonged to the 116th Panzer Division. It was taken of the tank or vehicle properly in around 1946-1948 by a local farmer and was used on his farm for many years until it was found by a local collector who had them in his private collection until 2020 when it left the Ardennes area for the first time since the war. This is a very nice relic from the Ardennes Forest campaign during the battle of the Bulge in the winter of 1944-1945.This real bit of history from this famous battle which was Hitlers last offensive in the West.
The 116th Panzer Division, also known as the "Windhund (Greyhound) Division", was an armoured formation that was constituted in the Rhineland and Westphalia areas of western Germany in March 1944 from the remnants of the 16th Panzergrenadier Division, and the 179th Reserve Panzer Division. The 16th had suffered heavy casualties in combat on the Eastern Front near Stalingrad, and the 179th was a second-line formation that had been on occupation duty in France since 1943.
THIS ITEM IS FREE UK SHIPPING. FOR INTERNATIONAL BUYERS, IT IS AT A REDUCED RATE. PLEASE ASK BEFORE PURCHASE.