Description
1957 Perfection Stove Company AK-19 Arctic Power Plant Kit Component for M32B1 Tank Recovery Vehicle
Item Overview
This Perfection Stove Company Power Plant Kit—Arctic, model AK-19, is a cold-weather equipment package made specifically for the U.S. Army M32B1 Tank Recovery Vehicle. The equipment formed part of the larger winterization kit identified by Federal Stock Number 2540-570-1191 and catalog designation G-249. It used a fuel-fired heater and related components to warm the vehicle’s power-plant area and battery installation before starting in severe cold.
Identification and Features
The surviving crate stencil (not included), stock-number label, and packing slip provide firm identification of this equipment. The packing slip names the M32B1 application, while the crate identifies Perfection Stove Company of Cleveland, Ohio. The 5-57 marking appears to indicate May 1957, although it may be a packing or acceptance date rather than the manufacturing date.
- Official package name: Power Plant Kit—Arctic
- Model: AK-19
- Parent Federal Stock Number: 2540-570-1191
- Catalog designation: G-249
- Vehicle application: Tank Recovery Unit M-32B1
- Manufacturer: Perfection Stove Company
- Manufacturer location: Cleveland, Ohio
- Date code: 5-57, apparently May 1957
- Federal Supply Class: 2540, vehicular furniture and accessories
- Configuration offered: AK-19 component package or subkit
- Status: Inert military-surplus equipment
Original System Function
The AK-19 was a fuel-fired cold-weather preheater system rather than a crew-compartment heater. It produced heated air and directed it through tubes and an air-distribution assembly to the M32B1 power-plant area and battery installation. This helped prepare the engine and electrical system for starting in Arctic conditions, when low temperatures could reduce battery output, thicken lubricants, and make a gasoline engine difficult to start. The M32B1 used an air-cooled Continental R975 radial engine, so this equipment was not a conventional liquid-coolant heater. Grille covers and related fittings helped control airflow and retain heat around the areas being warmed.
Vehicle Application
This AK-19 package was made for the M32B1 Tank Recovery Vehicle. The M32B1 was built on the rounded cast hull of the M4A1 Sherman and retained the Continental R975 radial gasoline engine. Its original gun turret was replaced by a fixed recovery superstructure, heavy winch, A-frame boom, towing equipment, and specialized tools. Recovery crews used the vehicle to tow disabled tanks, pull vehicles from mud, and lift engines, turrets, and other heavy assemblies. No application to other M32 variants should be assumed without separate documentation because those models used different Sherman hulls, engines, and equipment arrangements.
Historical Background
The U.S. Army developed the M32 family during World War II because armored units needed a recovery vehicle with protection and mobility similar to the tanks it supported. The M32B1 was the M4A1 Sherman-based version and became one of the most widely used members of the family. M32 recovery vehicles supported armored forces in Europe and other World War II theaters, and they remained active during the Korean War. Their work kept damaged or disabled vehicles from being abandoned near the front. The 1957 date on this AK-19 package shows that the Army continued to support M32B1 vehicles after World War II and prepared them for service in severe winter climates. M32 vehicles were gradually replaced by newer recovery systems as heavier postwar tanks entered service.
Condition
Please check the pictures for the general condition of the item.
Ideal For
This rare AK-19 package is well suited for collections and exhibits covering U.S. Army winterization equipment, Sherman-based recovery vehicles, military maintenance, and Cold War logistics. The surviving markings and packing documents also make it useful for an accurate M32B1 restoration or a detailed supply-history display.
- M32B1 Tank Recovery Vehicle restorations
- M4A1 Sherman-family vehicle collections
- U.S. Army Arctic-equipment exhibits
- Military winterization-system displays
- Cold War military-surplus collections
- Continental R975 engine displays
- Armored recovery and maintenance exhibits
- Military museums and educational collections
Approx length 20", Approx width 20", Approx height 20", Approx weight 65lbs.
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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