Description
Own a strong piece of Korean War-era field artillery history with this Technical Manual TM 9-331A for the 155mm Howitzer M1 and 155mm Howitzer Carriages M1A1 and M1A2. Dated January 1953, this manual is tied to one of the most important American medium howitzer systems of the mid-20th century.
The 155mm M1 Howitzer later became known as the M114, a weapon with a service history that stretched from World War II into the Korean War, Vietnam War, and beyond. U.S. Army history notes that the M1 was first produced in 1941, later redesignated M114, and served as the standard U.S. 155mm howitzer during both the Korean and Vietnam Wars.
Historical Significance
The 155mm M1 Howitzer was a workhorse of American field artillery. It delivered heavy supporting fire, used a towed carriage system, and became one of the most recognizable U.S. medium artillery pieces of the World War II and Cold War era.
This January 1953 TM 9-331A sits at an especially interesting point in that history. It was issued at the end of the Korean War period, when the Army was still relying heavily on World War II-proven artillery while updating its technical publications for postwar service.
The system also has strong Rock Island Arsenal history. The Army notes that the recoil mechanism and gun carriage were manufactured at Rock Island Arsenal during World War II, while the cannon barrel was produced at Watervliet Arsenal. More than 10,000 M114-family howitzers were assembled at Rock Island Arsenal from 1941 through 1953.
For collectors, that gives this manual real historical weight. It is not just a paper manual. It is documentation for a major U.S. artillery system used across several defining conflicts of the 20th century.
What This Manual Covers
TM 9-331A covers the 155mm Howitzer M1 and the 155mm Howitzer Carriages M1A1 and M1A2. A National Park Service archival listing identifies this exact publication as a Department of the Army Technical Manual dated January 1953.
This manual is especially relevant for:
- 155mm M1 / M114 howitzer documentation
- M1A1 and M1A2 carriage reference
- Korean War field artillery research
- U.S. Army Ordnance Department collections
- artillery restoration and display research
- museum and archival reference libraries
Manual listings for this title identify it as a substantial artillery reference, with 312+ pages and 171 illustrations, making it a serious technical publication rather than a small pamphlet or field card.
Key Features
- Technical Manual TM 9-331A
- Covers the 155mm Howitzer M1
- Covers 155mm Howitzer Carriages M1A1 and M1A2
- Dated January 1953
- Department of the Army artillery technical manual
- Strong Korean War / early Cold War publication
- Connected to the later M114 155mm Howitzer family
- Excellent reference for collectors, historians, museums, and restorers
- Desirable manual for U.S. field artillery and ordnance collections
Why This Collectible Stands Out
The 155mm M1 / M114 howitzer was one of the great American artillery systems of the 20th century. It had the size, history, and battlefield presence collectors look for.
This manual captures the official Army documentation behind that system. It belongs in a serious artillery library, especially alongside 155mm ammunition references, M114 parts, Korean War ordnance manuals, or Cold War field artillery displays.
For collectors, the appeal is clear: this is a dated 1953 manual for a major U.S. howitzer system that saw long service and international use. It has the right mix of historical importance, technical value, and display-worthy subject matter.
About This Manual
This listing is for Technical Manual TM 9-331A for 155mm Howitzer M1 and 155mm Howitzer Carriages M1A1 and M1A2, dated January 1953.
This listing is for the manual only unless otherwise stated. No howitzer, carriage, ammunition, tools, parts, accessories, storage case, or additional equipment are included unless specifically shown or noted.
Ideal For
This manual is a strong fit for:
- U.S. Army technical manual collections
- Korean War field artillery displays
- 155mm M1 / M114 howitzer reference collections
- World War II and Cold War ordnance libraries
- artillery restoration research
- Rock Island Arsenal history displays
- museum and archival reference collections
- field artillery historians and serious ordnance collectors
Approx length 9", Approx width 6", Approx height .75", Approx weight 1lbs.
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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