Description
105mm M395 Blank with M15B2 Aluminum Case and M34A1 Fiber Container
Item Overview
This inert 105mm M395 howitzer blank is made with an M15B2 aluminum cartridge case and includes an M34A1 fiber container. The set pairs a military blank cartridge with the container specified for its storage and transport. Its compact case and dedicated packaging make it a distinctive addition to a U.S. artillery ammunition collection, especially one focused on military salutes, training, and ammunition supply.
Identification and Features
Each model number identifies a separate part of the set: M395 is the blank cartridge, M15B2 is the aluminum case, and M34A1 is the fiber container. The container’s stock and drawing numbers below are documented military references for that model.
- Caliber: 105mm howitzer ammunition.
- Cartridge designation: M395 blank.
- Cartridge case: M15B2 aluminum.
- Included container: M34A1 fiber ammunition container.
- M34A1 container NSN: 8140-00-824-0813.
- M34A1 container drawing: 7549255.
- M395 cartridge assembly drawing: 7549251.
- Historical ammunition code: C440, for the M395 cartridge family.
- Current status: Inert military collectible.
Function
In military service, the M395 produced a loud report, flash, and smoke to simulate howitzer fire or sound a ceremonial salute. The original cartridge contained a blank charge and a percussion primer, with a closure at the case mouth instead of an artillery projectile. The M15B2 case formed the body of the cartridge. The M34A1 served a separate role as its individual storage and transport container, protecting the cartridge during routine handling.
Documented Applications
Army procurement records identify the M395 cartridge family for the M101, M101A1, M102, and M119 towed howitzers. Ammunition data sheets also list the M49 cannon in the M52 and M52A1 self-propelled howitzers and the M103 cannon in the M108. The M34A1 has its own documented application as the fiber container for the 105mm M395 blank.
Product History
The Army standardized the M395 blank cartridge in 1962. Later production was governed by military specifications, including MIL-C-46229C, dated June 29, 1979. That document identified separate drawings for the cartridge assembly, its fiber container, and its wooden shipping box. Army data sheets list three case versions within the blank family: M15 brass, M15B1 steel, and M15B2 aluminum. The cartridge retained the M395 designation across these different case materials. Later manuals describe changes to the internal closure arrangement in renovated and newly manufactured cartridges.
Military Packaging History
The M34A1 was part of the M395’s formal military packing system. Army ammunition data sheets describe one blank cartridge in each fiber container, with ten containers packed in a wooden shipping box. The fiber container was the individual package, while the wooden box held the shipment. Military parts lists assigned the M34A1 its own stock number, allowing the packaging to be identified separately from the ammunition.
Equipment History
The howitzers associated with the M395 span much of modern U.S. artillery history. The M2A1 design emerged by 1940 and became a major American field artillery weapon during World War II. Later designated the M101, it continued in service through the Korean and Vietnam Wars. The lighter M102 entered production in 1964 and was designed for movement by helicopter, parachute, and other airborne transport. The M119 entered U.S. service in 1989, extending the use of 105mm towed artillery in light formations.
Weapon-System Background
The 105mm howitzer family served the Army’s need for mobile fire support for ground troops. These guns could fire directly at a visible target or use indirect fire against targets beyond the crew’s view. Their ammunition included high-explosive, smoke, and other specialized rounds. Lighter towed designs helped units move artillery into areas where roads and terrain limited heavier equipment. The M119 later saw extensive service in Afghanistan and Iraq, supporting troops in demanding terrain.
History of Use
The M395’s documented use centers on training exercises, retreat ceremonies, salutes for visiting dignitaries, and military burials. During exercises, it supplied the sound of artillery firing. At ceremonies, its gun reports formed part of military honors and formal events. The Army’s fiscal year 2002 procurement records also describe maintaining a reserve for ceremonies following the death of a former president. Budget documents from the 2010s continued to describe ceremonial and training use with the M119 howitzer. The M395 served as a noncombat cartridge in these documented roles.
Condition
The M395 is inert and offered for collection and display. This set includes the M15B2 aluminum-case blank and the M34A1 fiber container, keeping the cartridge together with its documented type of military packaging.
Ideal For
This set suits collectors who want both a howitzer blank and its dedicated container. It is useful for displays about artillery ammunition, military ceremonies, and supply equipment. The aluminum case also makes it a worthwhile comparison piece alongside brass and steel examples from the same blank-cartridge family.
- U.S. artillery ammunition collections
- Howitzer history displays
- Military salute exhibits
- Ammunition packaging collections
- Cartridge-case comparison studies
Approx length 7", Approx width 5", Approx height 5", Approx weight 2.6lbs.
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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