Identification No.
BSFL1316 COV
| Auburn, Indiana
Addendum
All military vehicles and artifacts offered in this sale are sold "As Is" and "For collector purposes only". These military vehicles and artifacts should never be loaded and/or fired with any ammunition. We make no warranty and/or representations as to the suitability or fitness of these items for use. By purchasing military vehicles and artifacts you hereby and irrevocably waive any and all claims against Auctions America by RM, Inc. and agree to indemnify and hold harmless Auctions America by RM, Inc. from any injuries or death associated with these military vehicles and artifacts. Please note, there may be an associated licensing fee based on the location of licensing, and bidder must satisfy himself as to all licensing and import requirements in his home state or country.
Please Note: Information regarding these museum display vehicles was provided by the National Military History Center and has not been independently verified by Auctions America by RM ("AA"). As such, AA does not verify, warrant or guarantee any of this information. Prior inspection and research by the buyer is highly encouraged and recommended.
ATTENTION: Buyers are responsible for securing transportation and moving/loading of lots. Lot may be left on display indefinitely in the museum free of charge with a signed loan agreement form. Lots are sold as is, where is.
Please note this is being sold on "Bill of Sale" only.
Please Note: Information regarding these museum display vehicles was provided by the National Military History Center and has not been independently verified by Auctions America by RM ("AA"). As such, AA does not verify, warrant or guarantee any of this information. Prior inspection and research by the buyer is highly encouraged and recommended.
ATTENTION: Buyers are responsible for securing transportation and moving/loading of lots. Lot may be left on display indefinitely in the museum free of charge with a signed loan agreement form. Lots are sold as is, where is.
Please note this is being sold on "Bill of Sale" only.
Manufacturer: Krupp / Rheinmetall
Production Years: 1933-1945 (Flak 18, 36/37)
Caliber: 88-mm (3.46-inches)
Length: 15-feet, 4-inches* (gun tube)
Width: 7-feet, 7-inches*
Height: 8-feet, 6-inches* (on travel mount)
Weight: 7.9-tons* (on travel mount)
Maximum Range: 9-miles+* (horizontal) - 6.5-miles+* (vertical)
Muzzle Velocity: 2,690-feet-per-second
Rate of Fire: 15 to 20-rounds-per-minute
Projectile Weight: 20.34 to 33.6-pounds; depending on type
Crew: Up to 10
Markings: Flak Unit - camouflage represents late war (post 1942) sand base paint with green overpaint
* Specifications are for a captured Flak 18 as tested by the US Army.
Demilitarized
The dreaded “88” is regarded by most historians as the best artillery piece of World War II. Initially intended to be an anti-aircraft gun, its adaptability to anti-tank and indirect artillery use was quickly recognized. The Flak 36 displayed is an improved model of the initial Flak 18. The Flak 36 incorporated removable barrel liners and an improved transport trailer assembly. The cruciform platform (gun mount) with its folding legs, enabled the gun to be fired in any direction and to be emplaced and withdrawn quickly. Its accuracy, rate of fire and ability to destroy any Allied tank was respected by friend and foe alike. The “88” was first used in action during the Spanish Civil War and served on all fronts during World War II. Its first known encounter with the Western Allies was with the British in North Africa where it came as an eye-opening shock, just as it did the Russians during the opening phases of Operation Barbarosa (The German invasion of the Soviet Union). By August 1944, approximately 11,000 “88s” (Flak 18, 36/37 and 41) were in service with the German Wehrmacht.
