WW2 US Army Air Forces 20mm Hispano Ammunition Wooden Crate – 1942 – 120 Cartridges – Original Military Storage Box

WW2 US Army Air Forces 20mm Hispano Ammunition Wooden Crate – 1942 – 120 Cartridges – Original Military Storage Box

An original Second World War American military ammunition crate, manufactured for the storage and transportation of 20mm aircraft cannon ammunition.

The wooden crate retains its original stencilled markings, clearly identifying it as a container for 120 cartridges, S.A. H.E.I. Mk I, intended for 20mm guns, including the M1A1, M2 and Hispano types.

The markings across the front read:

120 CARTRIDGES

S.A. H.E.I. MK I

FOR 20 M/M GUNS

M1A1-M2 & HISPANO/A

LOT 2-7876-187

PACKED 12-42

The lid also retains the interesting stencil “AMMUNITION FOR SMALL ARMS WITH EXPLOSIVE PROJECTILE”, together with the original lot number.

The packing date of December 1942 places this crate firmly within the Second World War period, when American industry was producing enormous quantities of ammunition for Allied aircraft and military forces.

Historical Background

The 20mm Hispano cannon became one of the most important aircraft weapons of the Second World War.

Originally developed from the Swiss Oerlikon-derived Hispano-Suiza cannon design, the weapon was adopted by several Allied air forces and manufactured in large numbers.

In British service, the 20mm Hispano cannon became a standard armament for aircraft including the Supermarine Spitfire and Hawker Hurricane, as well as later fighter types.

American 20mm aircraft cannon were also used in various wartime aircraft installations.

The HEI designation refers to High Explosive Incendiary ammunition, designed to combine an explosive effect with an incendiary effect against its target.

Crates such as this were essential to the supply chain, transporting and storing ammunition for military aircraft and other weapons installations.

Original Features & Condition

The crate retains its original wooden construction, metal fittings, hinges and securing hardware, together with the original wartime stencilled lettering.

The markings remain particularly legible, making this a very attractive example for display.

The wood does show evidence of historic woodworm activity, with numerous small holes visible across the surfaces. The crate has, however, been fully treated for woodworm.

It remains in honest, original wartime condition, with expected age-related wear, staining and weathering.

The crate is empty and is offered as a historic military storage container.

Details

Period: Second World War

Country: United States

Date: Packed December 1942

Type: Military ammunition storage crate

Intended contents: 120 x 20mm S.A. H.E.I. Mk I cartridges

Weapon types marked: M1A1, M2 and Hispano

Lot number: 2-7876-187

Construction: Wooden crate with metal fittings

Markings: Original wartime stencilling

Condition: Original, with age-related wear and historic woodworm holes

Treatment: Fully treated for woodworm

Contents: Empty

A great original piece of American Second World War military packaging, particularly appealing to collectors of USAAF memorabilia, Allied aviation history and 20mm Hispano cannon-related militaria.

An increasingly difficult type of wartime ammunition container to find retaining such clear original markings.

Large item so postage will have to be paid for, sorry