Description
U.S. Army Bracket B93448 for the 155mm M1/M114 Howitzer System
Item Overview
This original U.S. Army mounting bracket was cataloged for the 155mm M1/M114 howitzer system family. It is identified by drawing number B93448 and historical Ordnance stock number C39-55-93448. The C39 prefix places the bracket within SNL C-39, the Army supply catalog covering the 155mm Howitzer M1 and M1A1, their towed carriages, and the related M14 howitzer mount. This is a solid steel support component intended for installation within that artillery system.
Identification and Features
The official nomenclature recorded for this component is simply “Bracket.” Drawing number B93448 identifies the individual part, while stock number C39-55-93448 connects it to the SNL C-39 supply family. Its formed steel construction, mounting surfaces, and fastener holes allowed the bracket to be secured as part of a larger mechanical assembly. The surviving nomenclature establishes its system-level application but does not name the exact adjoining assembly or mounting position.
- Official nomenclature: Bracket
- Part/drawing number: B93448
- Historical Ordnance stock number: C39-55-93448
- Catalog family: SNL C-39
- Caliber: 155mm
- Associated weapon: Howitzer M1/M1A1, later M114
- Associated carriages: M1A1 and M1A2
- Associated self-propelled mount: M14
- Construction: Formed steel
- Finish: Green military paint
How It Worked
A mounting bracket creates a rigid connection between a component and the main structure supporting it. Its shaped body carries the attached part, while its holes accept the screws or bolts that hold the assembly in position. On a heavy artillery system, brackets had to withstand vibration during towing, movement during aiming, and the repeated shock created when the weapon fired. Part B93448 served this general mounting and support role within the C-39 equipment family. .
End-Item Application
SNL C-39 covered the 155mm Howitzer M1 and M1A1, the M1A1 and M1A2 towed carriages, and the 155mm Howitzer Mount M14. The towed weapon combined a 155mm cannon with a split-trail carriage, recoil mechanism, aiming controls, equilibrators, sights, and firing equipment. It used separate-loading ammunition, with the projectile and propelling charge loaded as separate components. The M14 mount adapted the 155mm Howitzer M1 for installation in the open rear fighting compartment of the M41 Howitzer Motor Carriage. Because B93448 is identified through the shared C-39 catalog, it belongs to this system family without limiting the bracket to one configuration that the surviving part name does not specify.
Historical Background
The 155mm Howitzer M1 was designed in 1939 and entered production in 1941 as a new U.S. medium field howitzer. Rock Island Arsenal manufactured its carriage and recoil components, while Watervliet Arsenal produced the cannon barrel. The improved M1A1 followed during the weapon’s early service life. After the Army reorganized its equipment designations, the M1-series howitzer became the M114 family. More than 10,000 weapons were assembled at Rock Island Arsenal between 1941 and 1953, making the design one of the most widely produced American heavy field artillery systems of its era. Replacement by the newer M198 began in 1979.
History of Use
The M1 served as a general-support howitzer during World War II, delivering heavier fire beyond the role of the Army’s smaller field pieces. The M114 later became a standard American 155mm towed howitzer during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. In Vietnam, artillery crews operated these weapons from prepared firebases, and the M114A1 could be moved by heavy-lift helicopter when roads were not available. The M41 Howitzer Motor Carriage was approved too late for combat in World War II, but its M14-mounted 155mm howitzer was used during the Korean War. Brackets such as B93448 belonged to the repair-parts system that allowed maintenance units to replace individual supports instead of discarding a larger and more costly assembly.
Condition
This is an original U.S. military-surplus steel bracket with a green painted finish. It shows age and storage wear that may include scratches, finish loss, discoloration, light surface oxidation, and marks around the mounting points.
Ideal For
Bracket B93448 is a useful original component for an M1 or M114 howitzer restoration, a C-39 parts collection, or an exhibit explaining the construction and maintenance of American field artillery. Its documented drawing and stock numbers also make it suitable for identifying loose parts or completing a detailed historical display.
- M1 and M1A1 howitzer restorations
- M114 artillery collections
- M1A1 and M1A2 carriage displays
- M41 and M14 mount research
- World War II through Vietnam War exhibits
- Army Ordnance parts collections
Approx length 7.25", Approx width 7", Approx height 1", Approx weight 4.3 lbs.
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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