Normandy Tank Museum Auction

[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 95 1944 CHRYSLER M4 SHERMAN " 105 "
N°: 56934
Certificat de neutralisation catégorie 8 n°137705, daté 25.07.06
Crew : 5 men
Engine: C-4 Continental 9 cylinder radial
Weight : about 32 tons
History: The 105 mm caliber M4 Sherman is one of the rarest versions as Chrysler only made 800 of them during World War II. There are very few left in the world.

Origin and condition:
Bought and restored in 2003, this "105" M4 is a unique piece. It is the 11th of only 800 made. The restoration was done by Nerrant family and the result is simply staggering. The 9 cylinder Continental radial engine is new and the engine compartment was restored and reassembled in factory-like conditions. The Sherman's interior and turret were totally reconditioned in their original configuration, and not one storage rack is missing. The attention to detail was extreme, as all of the accessories are present. Because of the considerable difficulty to find certain parts nowadays, a similar restoration would be extremely hard to undergo. This tank has taken part in numerous commemoration events such as the D-Day's 70th anniversary, the Liberation of Paris, Cannes, Nice and also that of the Czech city of Pilzen. This M4 is in running condition and is quite pleasing to use and drive.

Description:
Like the collection's M3 Scout Car, this "105" M4 bears the markings of General Leclerc's 2nd Armored Division. It is nicknamed "the Moskowa" in the colors of 501st tank regiment which took part in the Liberation of Paris on August 25th 1944. Future French celebrities such as Moncorgé, later known as Jean Gabin, but also Jean Marais served in this famous division.

Technical annex:
Tank hoisting cable, shovel, axe, pickaxe, hand-crank engine starter, large tank camouflage netting, one gasoline jerrican, three US packaging bags, one 105 mm howitzer ammunition wooden crate, antenna transport cover, and special tightening wrench for the tank's tracks.

Estimation 200 000 - 400 000 € SOLD 239 000 plus 20% (EUR 286,800) plus Value Added Taxes.