OQF 6 pdr 7 cwt

[tankbarrell]

Originally Posted by tankdriver

Round hole is for the early M18(US number) scope, the square hole was for the battery for the lighted reticle.

Not according to the manuals. The 57mm M1 gun used a bigger box so you're probably correct for that. The M18 scope is over a foot long though isn't it? Not sure how you fit that in a 6" high box....

The 6 pdr box had the small spare springs and pins box in the square hole, what went in the round hole? It's not deep enough to take a firing pin spindle and it's not clear what the larger rim is for.

[tankdriver]

Originally Posted by tankbarrell

Not according to the manuals. The 57mm M1 gun used a bigger box so you're probably correct for that. The M18 scope is over a foot long though isn't it? Not sure how you fit that in a 6" high box....

The 6 pdr box had the small spare springs and pins box in the square hole, what went in the round hole? It's not deep enough to take a firing pin spindle and it's not clear what the larger rim is for.

The original small one that a buddy has, has a hole through the bottom of the box, and the M18 scope hangs down through the bottom, so he says. I have not tried to fit the scope in it. It looks like the one shown above has a hole in the bottom of the box. I have a early 57mm, and the early M1 is shown with the size box you show. I have a original large box for mine, but I am trying to swap it for the early type box. Both fit the holes in the right hand shield.

US Manual FM 23-75 dated June 44 shows 6 drawing of the small box on it, a Canadian parts manual dated 1943, shows small box, British pt # C54666 US pt# 01-24526. Not sure if they are different or not. US manual TM 9-303 April 44, shows the small box about 8 times, BUT, I have not been able to find a photo/drawing of the scope being mounted in one.



Most the war time photos of WW2 US 57mm that I have seen have the large box mounted. I saw one showing the early box, but it was a training photo, and not a combat photo.


Has anybody found any manuals showing the small boxes documented use?

[tankbarrell]

The British and Canadian box does not have a hole through the bottom, there are two inner shelves, the hole you see is through the lower shelf.

The British manual specifies items that go in the box but it only lists the 'box, spare springs and pins CM98'. There is nothing listed that would fit in the circular holes. It is clearly for something though, it is too complicated to not be for something specific!

[tankdriver]

Before I replied, I read through all my manuals, and all of the tell the #1 to remove the scope before moving the cannon, and to protect it, and store it. Just none of them say where or how.

I have either original copies, or reprints on all the manuals for the 57mm, but all are lacking with out a sergeant to tell you how to do what to do with things NOT told in the manuals.

[tankbarrell]

I know what you mean, it can be frustrating trying to find something specific. The British handbook for the 6 pr mentions the telescope is kept in a No 12 sighting telescope case which is a steel tube with a cap but it does not mention where that is carried. There appears to be no provision for it on the gun itself.

[rnixartillery]

The round hole in the Canadian boxes are for a spare firing mechanism shaft and spring (not the whole unit) which are both parts that wear/weaken as they are used.
One of Adrian's excellent reproduction boxes is now fitted to my 6 pdr so I will post a pic of it with its contents when I get chance.

Rob..................rnixartillery.

[tankdriver]

Thanks,

Looking forward to the photos....