M44 155mm

Total Bids Placed:

Condition

In need of full restoration but reasonably complete. The M44 is cosmetically restored but currently a non-runner (no powerpack).

History

At the end of World War II, the U.S. Army was well-equipped with self-propelled artillery pieces based on the M4 medium and M24 light tanks. In 1946, the Stillwell Board specified new requirements for future self-propelled artillery which included overhead protection from air bursts, something the wartime designs lacked.

In 1946-47 development of a self-propelled 155-mm howitzer based on the T41 light tank started. The new self-propelled howitzer was designated T99 and it included a fully-enclosed gun mount. The start of the Korean War in June 1950 led to a “crash” program to get the vehicle into production. At the time it entered production in 1951, it was redesignated T99E1. The crash program resulted in many deficiencies in the vehicle including poorly designed fire control equipment and heavy build up of toxic fumes in the enclosed howitzer compartment.

In order to address the problems found during testing, production of the T99E1 ended after 250 vehicles were built. Changes to the T99E1 included a newly designed 155-mm howitzer, elimination of the fighting compartment roof, new ammunition using bagged charges instead of a metal cartridge case and other smaller items. Production restarted in 1953-1954 with the T99E1 being redesignated as the T194. It was later standardized at the 155-mm self-propelled howitzer M44. The original 250 T99E1’s were all rebuilt to M44 standards.

Some vehicles of this type were exported to NATO countries.

Technical

Manufacturer: Massey Harris Company
Model: Self Propelled Howitzer
Manufacturing date: 1950-54
Serial number: 414
Serial number gun: 7307020
Length: 20 ft 3 in (6,16 m)
Width: 10 ft 8 in (3,24 m)
Height (top up): 10 ft 2 in (3,11 m)
Height (top down): n/a
Weight: 63.934 lb (29.000 kg)
Max. speed (land): 35 mph (56 km/h)
Max. speed (water): n/a
Operational range: 75 mi (121 km)
Main armament: M114 155mm howitzer. Effective firing range: 9,1 mi (14,6 km),
Secondary armament: M2Hb cal .50 machine gun, note secondary armament not included.
Engine: Continental AOS-895-3, 450 hp
Crew: 5 (2 loaders, gunner, commander, driver)
Armor: 0,47 in (12 mm)
Production numbers:

Note to Buyers

NOTE TO BUYERS

LOCATION

The location of any Lot is indicated with the specific lot number. Specific address details will be provided upon request and to the successful bidder / Buyer.

INSPECTION(S)/ VIEWING DAYS

Inspections (viewing days) are open on:
– USA: Thursday March 14, Friday April 5, Saturday 6 and Friday April 19 2024

– The Netherlands: Saturday April 13 (Nederweert)

Given the fact that these are often very special items whose condition, no matter how hard we try, cannot always be described 100% completely, we really recommend that you make use of this.

IMPORTANT DATES

– Campaign Start: March 1^st 2024,

– Release Website and brochure (all items listed and categorized): March 20 2024,

– Bidding Open: Friday April 19 2024 00:00 CET (Dutch American Friendship Day),

– Bidding Ends:

Saturday April 20 2024 (Vehicles)

Saturday May 11 2024 (Parts & Accessories)

Times:             Amsterdam NL (CET): 06:00 PM (18:00)

London: 05:00 PM (17:00)

New York USA: 12:00 AM (12:00)

Sydney AUS: 04:00 AM (04:00) next day

BUYER’S PREMIUM

On all lots a buyer’s premium of 16,5% of the hammer price is charged. Over this buyer’s premium a 21% sales tax (VAT) will be applicable.

PARTS, ACCESSOIRIES & MILITARIA

The batches of spare parts, various accessories and militaria are sold in as-is condition and delivered without any guarantee of functioning.

VEHICLES & VEHICLE RELATED EQUIPMENT

Cars, motorcycles, trucks, cannons or howitzers, armored vehicles, and tanks are sold in as-is condition, with no technical guarantee and guarantee of authenticity and with or without registration.

Arms & weapons

The Auction House will not supply ANY item unless the correct paperwork and licensing – if needed – has been supplied by the Buyer in full.

If required and applicable (fire)arms can be made inoperable or permanently disabled by BAIV in The Netherlands as being a licensed Arms & Weapons Dealer Registration Nr. NL20191618779. In this case all relevant cost will be charged to the Buyer in addition and have to be paid in advance in full. Collection by appointment only!

MARGIN/ VAT

However, for most of the lots 21% sales tax (VAT) over the hammer price will be not applicable, it might be that in some specific cases sales tax (VAT) over the hammer price will be charged. In such a case this will be specifically specified in the lot description. For all other lots the margin scheme will be applicable. For more info see our General Conditions of Sale Article 9 on our website; www.tracksandtrade.com

COLLECTION

Due to our participation in the commemorations of D-DAY in Normandy France collection of all lots is scheduled for the period Monday June 24 till Friday July 5 2024. However, for buyers who want to participate with their purchased lot at the 80^th Anniversary Commemorations in Normandy this can of course be deviated from. In such a case please let us know soonest.
import and export

Depending on the destination and content of the Lot the Buyer shall obtain an International Import Certificate / End User Certificate. Some of the items listed in the auction may require special licenses or permits or existing documents must be prepared for export. If this is relevant, Tracks & Trade will take care of this. The applicable costs will be charged to the successful bidder. Please email [email protected] if you have any questions or concerns. No item will be allowed to be collected without 100% of all legal requirements being fulfilled.

Delivery

Removal of lots must be completed by June 28 2024 after full payment and 100% coverage of all legal requirements. No storage fees will be applicable until that date.

Shipping and packing costs and special costs that arise for loading special items, such as crane costs or costs for hiring special equipment etc., will be charged to the Buyer on the basis of actual costs + a surcharge of 10%. Naturally, you can count on us when it comes to the shipment of your purchases. We are happy to take care of that!

STORAGE

Lots not picked up by Buyers before June 28 2024 will be returned to secure storage at Buyer’s expense. In this case storage fees will be applied as follows:
– Parts & accessories: € 25,- / lot / week.

– Cars and motorcycles: € 50,- / lot / week.

– Armored vehicles, tanks, cannons etc. € 75,- / lot / week.

Listed storage fees excluding 21% VAT.

NOTE
If you have any specific questions, please contact us either by telephone (+31 6 518 22 502) or E-mail ([email protected]). We are happy to help and support you through the entire process. We will do our utmost to please and comfort you.
So, don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions!

GENERAL CONDITIONS

All information and transactions are subject to the general terms and conditions (Version 2.0 dated 29-04-2022). For more detailed information visit our website or click here.