Description
U.S. Army M405/M405A1 Honest John Rocket Handling Unit Lock Assembly
Item Overview
This U.S. Army lock assembly was made for the M405 and M405A1 trailer-mounted 762mm rocket handling units used with the MGR-1 Honest John rocket system. It is a hand-operated mechanical clamp or retainer that helped secure a movable part of the handling equipment.
Identification and Features
The military stock number and drawing number identify this component as a lock assembly for the M405-series rocket handling unit. The additional number 7190543 is marked on the item, but its exact relationship to the complete assembly has not been confirmed. It may identify an individual component or an associated drawing. The November 1974 date records when the item was packed and does not necessarily indicate when it was manufactured.
- Official nomenclature: Lock assembly
- National Stock Number: 1055-00-656-4953
- Part or drawing number: 8759316
- Additional marked number: 7190543
- Manufacturer code: 34374
- Manufacturer: P/M Engineering Co.
- Contract number: DAAA09-74-C-6245
- Packing date: November 1974
- Equipment application: M405 and M405A1 762mm rocket handling units
- Associated weapon system: MGR-1 Honest John rocket system
- Item type: Inert mechanical ground-handling hardware
Original Function
This assembly uses a hand-tightened mechanism to apply clamping pressure and hold a movable part in place. On the M405-series handling unit, locks and retainers were needed to secure beams, supports, cradles, and other moving members during handling, transportation, and storage. The exact mounting location of part number 8759316 has not been confirmed, so it should not be represented as belonging to one specific beam or cradle without further documentation. It was not installed in the rocket, warhead, launcher firing system, or guidance equipment.
M405 and M405A1 Handling Unit Application
The M405 and improved M405A1 were trailer-mounted handling units designed for the Army’s large 762mm Honest John rockets. These trailers helped crews support, position, service, and transfer rocket components during field operations. Their frames included movable handling members and securing hardware that had to remain locked during travel or storage. This listing is for the lock assembly only. The rocket handling trailer, rocket, launcher, tools, and other accessories are not included.
Honest John System History
The Honest John was an unguided, free-flight surface-to-surface rocket developed during the early Cold War. The original M31 version entered U.S. Army service in 1954, and the improved M50 followed in 1961. The system could carry conventional or nuclear warheads and gave field artillery units a mobile rocket capability. Honest John equipment included the launcher, handling trailers, transport equipment, test equipment, and other specialized ground-support components. The system served with the United States and several allied countries before being declared obsolete by the U.S. Army in 1982.
History of Use
Honest John units were deployed as part of American and allied Cold War defense forces. Crews regularly practiced transporting, assembling, loading, and firing the rockets during field exercises. The M405-series handling unit supported these operations by helping crews control the heavy rocket and its components before placement on the launcher. Honest John rockets were fired extensively during tests and training. The 1974 packing date on this assembly falls within the later service life of the Honest John system.
Condition
This is a military-surplus mechanical component that may show scratches, finish wear, oxidation, grease, dirt, staining, tool marks, and other signs of age or long-term storage. Its working condition has not been tested. Markings and minor construction details may vary between inventory examples. This listing includes one lock assembly only, and no mounting hardware or related handling-unit components are included unless specifically stated. Please check the pictures for the general condition of the item.
Ideal For
This uncommon component is well suited for restoring or displaying U.S. Army rocket-handling equipment. Its documented stock number, contract information, manufacturer code, and 1974 packing date also make it an interesting artifact for collectors studying Cold War logistics and missile-support systems.
- M405 and M405A1 handling-unit restoration projects
- MGR-1 Honest John rocket-system displays
- Cold War U.S. Army collections
- Military ground-support equipment collections
- Army missile and artillery exhibits
- Museums and educational displays
Approx length 6", Approx width 3", Approx height 2", Approx weight 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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