Description
Own a major Cold War U.S. Army ordnance reference with this Technical Manual TM 9-500, Data Sheets for Ordnance Type Materiel, dated September 1962. Reference listings identify this manual as a Department of the Army technical publication titled Data Sheets for Ordnance Type Materiel, with other Army reference lists citing the date as 11 September 1962.
This is not a manual for one weapon, vehicle, or piece of equipment. TM 9-500 is a broad data-sheet reference covering many categories of ordnance-type materiel. That makes it a standout addition for collectors who want the big-picture view of U.S. Army equipment during the early 1960s.
Historical Significance
The date September 1962 places this manual in one of the most interesting periods of the Cold War. The U.S. Army was still using proven World War II and Korean War equipment, while also fielding newer tanks, rockets, self-propelled artillery, missile-related systems, and nuclear-era ordnance.
That is what gives TM 9-500 its collector appeal. It captures the Army’s ordnance world at a transition point. Heavy guns, armored vehicles, rocket launchers, combat vehicles, and modern fire-support systems all existed together in the same military equipment landscape.
The manual is also important as a reference source. U.S. Army in Germany equipment charts identify TM 9-500, Data Sheets for Ordnance Type Materiel, September 1962 as the source for both rocket artillery systems and tube artillery systems data. Examples include the 8-inch M55 self-propelled howitzer and the 762mm M386 truck-mounted rocket launcher.
What This Manual Represents
TM 9-500 is the type of manual serious collectors love because it connects many pieces of equipment into one reference. Instead of focusing on a single gun or vehicle, it serves as a snapshot of the Army’s ordnance inventory.
It is especially valuable for identifying and researching:
- artillery systems
- self-propelled guns and howitzers
- rocket artillery equipment
- combat vehicles
- gun systems and mounts
- Cold War ordnance materiel
- technical and logistical equipment data
- equipment identification and comparison research
A National Park Service archival listing identifies TM 9-500 as Ordnance Corps Equipment Data Sheets, September 1962, which reinforces its role as a broad equipment-data reference rather than a narrow maintenance manual.
Key Features
- Technical Manual TM 9-500
- Official title: Data Sheets for Ordnance Type Materiel
- Dated September 1962
- Department of the Army Cold War technical reference
- Broad data-sheet style manual covering ordnance-type equipment
- Useful for identification, comparison, collecting, and research
- Strong reference for artillery, rocket, armored vehicle, and ordnance collections
- Excellent companion manual for Cold War technical manual libraries
- Desirable subject for collectors of U.S. Army equipment documentation
Why This Collectible Stands Out
Most technical manuals focus on one item. TM 9-500 is different. It gives collectors a wide view of U.S. Army ordnance materiel during a key Cold War moment.
That makes it especially useful for anyone building a serious reference library. It pairs well with individual manuals for tanks, artillery, rockets, recoilless rifles, mortars, fire-control equipment, and ordnance support systems.
For collectors, the “cool factor” is the scope. This manual helps place individual weapons and vehicles into the larger Army equipment picture of 1962. It is the kind of reference that turns a collection of separate items into a more complete historical story.
About This Manual
This listing is for Technical Manual TM 9-500, Data Sheets for Ordnance Type Materiel, dated September 1962.
This listing is for the manual only unless otherwise stated. No ordnance item, weapon, vehicle, ammunition, rocket, mount, tool, part, accessory, or additional equipment is included unless specifically shown or noted.
Ideal For
This manual is a strong fit for:
- Cold War U.S. Army technical manual collections
- ordnance reference libraries
- artillery and rocket equipment collectors
- armored vehicle researchers
- museum and archival reference collections
- equipment identification and data-sheet research
- serious U.S. Army ordnance historians
Approx length 12", Approx width 12", Approx height 5", Approx weight 5lbs.
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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