Description
Add a specialized piece of Cold War and Vietnam War-era field artillery hardware to your collection with this 105mm M102 Howitzer Bracket, identified by Part Number 8433757 and the supplied FSN 1015-987-8564. This is a U.S. military-surplus component associated with the 105mm M102 lightweight towed howitzer, one of the most recognizable American light artillery systems of the Vietnam War period.
Historical Significance
The 105mm M102 Howitzer was introduced during the Vietnam War as a lighter, more mobile replacement for the older M101A1 105mm howitzer. The Army Historical Foundation notes that the M102 entered U.S. Army service in 1965 and began reaching field artillery units in Vietnam in 1966. It was developed for airmobile, airborne, and light infantry operations, where lighter artillery could be moved quickly by helicopter or light vehicles.
The M102 became closely associated with Vietnam War fire support bases, airmobile artillery, and later Cold War light artillery units. Its lightweight aluminum carriage, low profile, and ability to traverse 360 degrees gave it major advantages over the older M101A1.
That makes small M102 components like this especially interesting to collectors. They help preserve the support hardware behind a howitzer that served in Vietnam, Grenada, Panama, the Gulf War, and later Army National Guard service.
The M102 Howitzer Connection
The M102 was built around mobility. It could be towed by lighter vehicles, moved by helicopter, and used by light and airborne forces. FAS reference material describes the M102 as a lightweight towed weapon used in airmobile and light infantry operations, with a welded aluminum carriage, variable recoil mechanism, and transport options including helicopter lift and airborne delivery.
The M102’s carriage and support hardware were part of what made the system useful in the field. Brackets, clevises, mounts, handles, stowage parts, sighting-equipment brackets, and lifting hardware all supported the larger artillery system.
This part is especially relevant for collectors and restorers focused on:
- 105mm M102 Howitzer parts
- Vietnam War field artillery displays
- Cold War light artillery equipment
- airmobile artillery support hardware
- M102 restoration-reference collections
- U.S. Army ordnance component collections
Known Identification Details
- Item: 105mm M102 Howitzer Bracket / associated hardware component
- Part Number: 8433757
- Supplied FSN: 1015-987-8564
- Public Cross-Reference NSN: 5340-00-987-8564
- Associated Equipment: 105mm M102 Howitzer
- Item Type: U.S. military-surplus artillery hardware component
- Included Item: Bracket / hardware component only, unless otherwise shown or stated
Because surviving surplus markings, older FSN formats, and later NSN references can vary, part-number confirmation is especially important for buyers completing a restoration or parts-matching project.
Key Features
- 105mm M102 Howitzer hardware component
- P/N 8433757
- Supplied FSN 1015-987-8564
- Publicly cross-referenced with NSN 5340-00-987-8564
- Associated with the M102 lightweight 105mm howitzer
- Strong Vietnam War / Cold War field artillery collector subject
- Useful for restoration reference, display, parts identification, or surplus component collections
- Component only — no howitzer, carriage assembly, tools, ammunition, manuals, or additional hardware included unless specifically shown or noted
Why This Part Matters
The M102 Howitzer was designed around mobility, speed, and field flexibility. It served the Army during a period when airmobile artillery became central to U.S. operations in Vietnam. The larger weapon system depended on many smaller components to support movement, setup, aiming, stowage, and field maintenance.
This part helps represent that support side of the system. It is not a common generic hardware item. It is a part-numbered military component tied to a specific artillery platform.
For collectors, it pairs well with M102 howitzer manuals, 105mm artillery displays, Vietnam War fire support base exhibits, Cold War field artillery collections, and U.S. Army ordnance hardware displays.
About This Bracket
This listing is for one 105mm M102 Howitzer Bracket / hardware component, identified by P/N 8433757 and supplied FSN 1015-987-8564.
This listing is for the component only unless otherwise stated. No complete howitzer, carriage, cannon, ammunition, sighting equipment, tools, mounting hardware, manual, storage case, or additional accessories are included unless specifically shown or noted.
This item is intended for collection, display, restoration reference, historical research, or military surplus parts study.
Ideal For
This part is a strong fit for:
- 105mm M102 Howitzer collectors
- Vietnam War field artillery displays
- Cold War artillery reference collections
- M102 restoration-reference projects
- U.S. Army surplus parts collectors
- artillery hardware and bracket collections
- museum and archival ordnance exhibits
Approx length 4", Approx width 3.5", Approx height 4", Approx weight 3lbs.
Pictures are stock images of our inventory. Unless otherwise noted, you will not be receiving the exact item shown in the pictures. The pictures are representative of the item's general condition. The item you receive might be slightly better, or worse, condition than was shown in the pictures.
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