OQF 6 pdr 7 cwt

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Unfortunatelly we found that the carriage legs were cut probably after disposal by the army and then somebody welded them back together again, not very precisely though. Each leg had different angle and did not fit into the rear lock properly.
So we decided to cut both legs again and weld back accurately. Quite a lot of rust came out and some places underneath had to be fixed up. It all came back together very well and we could start putting the gun back together.

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We wanted to have the 6pdr ready for an event in May so the works speeded up. We hang the carriage up for a better assembly. Put together the brakes and hubs. Here we done a mistake and swapped the plates so the brakes were the other way round. It was quite a job to put it together so we changed it back later. This happens when different people dismantle and assamble

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After the assembly of the recoil system, elevation gear, shield etc we put the barrel back on without any big difficulties. We yet have to make the leather seals for the recoil rails.

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We had to make a new spare parts box for the shield, the original rotted away...

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Everything got the final paint and we had it ready for the May event where we introduced the restored gun to the public for the first time. Got original drag ropes from a Belgian friend and also made the handspikes.
We also made a drill aiming device which was used for training to save on ammunition during the WWII. We could show the drill using a BREN.

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We always wanted to blank-fire the 6pdr so we bought a firing pin from forum member Rob and took the barrel off again in August. We had taken it to a gunsmith who made some adaptation to the barrel to allow black powder firing. He also made a special rounds for the firing. After that he s taken it to a state approval laboratory and they issued a certificate and marked both the barrel and the rounds. Now we can blank fire anywhere without a temporary shooting range approval. It really works
The blank rounds will yet get a brass finish to look more authentic.
We also made a replica of the sight holder. Thanks to Marc van Aalderen for providing the dimensions.

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Well thats about it up to this date. When the weather allows the 6 pdr will get a new final paint with camouflage and marking of the Czechoslovak Armoured Brigade Group according to period photos.
It would also deserve the original wheels so if anybody knows where to get them this would be highly appreciated.
The restoration is also on our website (although in Czech only) here.

A MERRY CHRISTMAS to everybody