Description
U.S. 105 mm Howitzer M2 and M2A1 Breech-End Cover, Stock No. 24-C-1055-5
The U.S. 105 mm Howitzer M2 and M2A1 breech-end cover, Stock No. 24-C-1055-5, is a shaped, heavy woven-fabric cover for the rear portion of these field howitzers. Its original stencil directly identifies the cover and both supported howitzer models.
The cover was fitted over the howitzer's breech end while the piece was in march order and removed when the crew prepared the weapon for action. It is a protective artillery accessory, not a breech mechanism, howitzer component, or complete weapon.
Historical Significance
The 105 mm Howitzers M2 and M2A1 belonged to the family of light field artillery weapons that became central to U.S. Army fire support during World War II. The M2A1 was first produced in 1940 and became the Army's primary field artillery weapon during the war.
Protective covers were part of the equipment used to care for artillery materiel between firing positions. Period crew instructions treated the breech and muzzle ends of the howitzer cover as separate areas handled when changing between firing and march order.
M2 and M2A1 Howitzer Application
The surviving stencil reads “105 MM HOWITZER / M2 AND M2A1.” These are the two howitzer models supported by this cover. The lettering does not identify an M209 howitzer.
What This Item Is and Does
This breech-end cover is a formed textile accessory designed to fit over the rear of the 105 mm Howitzer M2 or M2A1. Its shaped panels, sewn edging, and extended sections allowed it to surround the breech area while the howitzer was configured for movement.
FM 6-75 assigned the gunner and No. 1 cannoneer to remove the breech end of the howitzer cover during preparation for action. The same crew members replaced it when returning the howitzer to march order.
Key Features
- Stenciled nomenclature: COVER, BREECH END
- Stenciled application: 105 MM HOWITZER M2 AND M2A1
- Period stock number: 24-C-1055-5
- Designed for the breech end of the U.S. 105 mm Howitzers M2 and M2A1
- Heavy olive-drab woven-fabric construction
- Shaped sewn panels with reinforced perimeter edging
- Used while the howitzer was placed in march order
- Protective cover only; no howitzer or breech mechanism is included
Why This Item Matters
Marked artillery accessories help show how a field piece was protected and maintained outside the firing sequence. This cover adds an often-overlooked equipment detail to an M2 or M2A1 howitzer display without being mistaken for a mechanical breech part.
The surviving model and stock-number stencil gives the cover a specific identity and makes it useful for museum interpretation, restoration reference, and the study of World War II artillery equipment.
About This Item
The visible stencil reads “COVER, BREECH END,” “105 MM HOWITZER,” “M2 AND M2A1,” and “24-C-1055-5.” These markings identify the offered cover for the breech end of the 105 mm Howitzers M2 and M2A1.
The photographed cover has olive-drab woven-fabric construction with shaped seams and reinforced edging. Fading in the black stencil, storage folds, and light surface wear are visible. The offered item is the cover only; no howitzer, breech mechanism, carriage, or other artillery equipment is included.
All items are opened from the original packaging to verify its condition before shipment. If your prefer to receive an item in its original, unopened packaging, please indicate your request in the order comments at checkout. Please Note: If you request an item in its original, unopened packaging, we are unable to verify the item's condition prior to shipment.
Ideal For
This item is a strong fit for:
- U.S. 105 mm Howitzer M2 and M2A1 collectors
- World War II field-artillery displays
- Military museums and educational collections
- Static howitzer restoration and preservation projects
- Artillery accessory and field-equipment collections
- Historical film and prop departments
Approx length 6', Approx width 6', Approx height 5', Approx weight 10lbs.
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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