[Michael R.]

1. In addition of the lot’s hammer price, the buyer must pay the different stages of following costs and fees/taxes:
1) Lots from the EU:
• From 1 to 50 000 €: 25% + current VAT.
• From 50 001 to 1 200 000 €: 20% + current VAT.
• Over 1 200 001 €: 12% + current VAT.

Lot 46 1944 CHRYSLER M4A4 SHERMAN
Hull #18688 –
Deactivation certificate # 178578, 07.04.15 calibre: 75 mm
Motor: Ford GAA V8
Crew: 5 men
Weight: about 32 tons

History:
When the M3 middle-sized tank's design was completed in March 1941, the US Army's engineers immediately started working on its successor: the M4. The plan was to come up with a fully rotating turret equipped with a 75 mm M3 canon, without modifying the tank's engine or driving system. The new tank's prototype, called T6, was made thanks to a special type of mold. However, in order to simplify its production, the later models' chassis were welded together instead of the molded design. The prototype was sent to the Aberdeen test track in September 1941. Its production was given the highest priority. So much so, that the M3's production immediately ceased as soon as the M4's had started. From the start of the project till the first deliveries, only 13 months had passed. The M4 is considered to be one the greatest industrial successes of all time. Its production went on till April 1945. The M4 is undoubtedly the most famous world war two Allied tank. It is the most produced American tank in world war two, with close to 50 000 units produced (all versions included). Its nickname "Sherman" was given by the English when they got delivery of their first units through the Lend Lease agreement. The US Army quickly adopted this nickname, as the Medium M4 Tank is dubbed "M4 Sherman".

Origin and condition:
This Sherman recently joined the collection and was completely restored at the museum's workshop. The restoration was done following very strict rules and is in running condition. It is powered by a powerful GAA Ford V8 which develops 500 hp. The engine is as new and is certainly the best in terms of torque, flexibility and reliability. The turret, equipped with a 75 mm canon, was restored with as many original parts and accessories as possible: microphone, gourds, fire extinguisher, decontaminator, radio and cover, spare 50 cal. canon, TI flashlight, intercommunication set, scope, etc. The iron combat tracks are in very good condition. This restoration is well accomplished and makes this M4 a great machine in usage and demonstration.


Description:
The M4A4 bears the colors of the 2nd Armored Division "Hell on Wheels". A historical reference to the famous American Armored Division which took part in the Cobra operation in July 1944 under the command of General Patton and Bradley. This battle was one the most important in the Battle of Normandy as it allowed to break through the front and liberate western France all the way to Paris.
This Sherman is in the same exact configuration as the tanks engaged during the summer of 1944. Notice there are no unnecessary markings on the tank, so that it would go unnoticed. The tanks' breakthrough the Normand "bocage" will be the theatre of devastating tank battles.

The tank's exterior equipment is resumed to bear minimum, as the crew's personal belongings are safely stored in the back of the vehicle. The frontal glacis' contains a spare wheel but also an additional shielding. The complementary water jerricans and canvas buckets were used by the crew to wash out the unrelenting waves of dust from their hands in faces. The crew is equipped with goggle glasses and the 30 cal. coaxial machinegun on the turret replaced the heavy 50 cal. since it was more convenient in the Normand "bocage" and during close combat. The camouflage net is essential when stopping for a rest in order to cover up the tank and make it invisible to Luftwaffe bombers.

Technical annex:
Turret searchlight, shovel, axe, pickaxe, hoisting cable, mallet, special wrench designed to tighten the tracks. Diverse equipment including: two water jerricans, three 50 cal. ammunition boxes, one gasoline jerrican, one water bucket, a large mesh camouflage netting, two US packing bags, M4 quick start cable. Turret armament includes a 30 cal. machinegun and cradle (copies), two M18 episcopes and a coaxial machinegun tube.

Estimation 250 000 - 400 000 € SOLD 280 000 plus 20% (EUR 336,000) plus Value Added Taxes . . . currently 20% in France.