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Up for sale is an incredibly rare, cohesive set of four matching U.S. Military Browning M1917 .30 caliber wooden ammunition chests. Finding a single original M1917 wood box is uncommon, but finding an intact, matching group of four that survived together from the same issued unit is exceptionally rare. This set is perfect for advanced militaria collectors, historic display setups, or heavy-weapons enthusiasts looking to complete a water-cooled Browning M1917A1 tripod cradle display.
Historical Details & Key Features
• Tracer / Armor-Piercing (AP) Combat Markings: Two of the boxes feature their original, tactical bright red painted ends. In theater, heavy weapons squads painted the latch ends of specific ammunition cans red so the assistant gunner could instantly identify and select specialized Tracer or AP belts in the heat of combat or low-light conditions.
• Original Paint & Patina: The boxes showcase an incredible, honest service history. Underneath the layered, period-applied mint-green/seafoam paint, you can see extensive remnants of the factory-original WWI slate-gray paint.
• Internal Depot Stencils: All four boxes feature the matching, iconic three-bullet orientation stencil crisply stamped onto the interior floorboards, proving they were packed and serialized together at the exact same ordnance depot.
• Premium Early Construction: Features the distinct circular relief cutouts under the heavy web/canvas strap handles, tight finger-jointed/dovetail corners, and fully functional top hardware latches.
These boxes are in authentic, unrestored military surplus condition.
• The wood is structurally sound with no rot.
• The web handles are intact and retain their historical stiffness.
• The hinges and clamping latches operate smoothly and lock down tightly.
• The paint shows authentic, honest field wear, scuffing, and flaking consistent with field deployment and century-old storage.
Please review the high-resolution photos closely to assess the exact cosmetic condition for yourself.
12 7/8\" x 4 1/2\" x 8\"
Will ship in two boxes to minimize cost. If a large single box is preferred, please specify.
These are from the archives of Reed Harris, PFC USAAF at Kelly Field AFB, San Antonio, TX, 1944-1945.
