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Auctions America concludes its 2012 auction calendar with single-day sale at the National Military History Center in Auburn, Indiana
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Dec. 8 auction features more than 80 collectible military trucks and vehicles along with an assortment of memorabilia ‘without reserve’
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Sale is expected to feature the most full and halftrack international military vehicles ever offered at public auction
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Rare WWII Daimler-Benz DB10 12-ton Primer mover to captivate auction audience
Auctions America will conclude its 2012 auction season by helping the historic National Military History Center (NMHM), a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, in Auburn, Indiana, sell more than 80 vintage military vehicles as well as a diverse assortment of more than 100 pieces of priceless war memorabilia at no reserve. The single-day sale is expected to feature the largest group of full and halftrack military items ever offered at public auction. Each item will be auctioned on Saturday, Dec. 8, at the center including a particularly rare WWII Daimler-Benz DB10 12 ton Primer mover, among the scarcest of all German equipment.
“This is truly an exceptional and unique opportunity for collectors of both vehicles and military hardware to acquire many one-of-a-kind lots and prototypes,” says Donnie Gould, Auctions America president. “The museum items are not relics; they tell not only the American story in both war and peace, but also the histories of Germany, France and Britain. We’re honored to have been entrusted with the sale of select lots from the international collection and look forward to welcoming enthusiasts to Auburn for what promises to be a truly unique, not-to-be-missed sale.”
Comprising German, French, British and U.S. military vehicles, the 83 transnational lots on offer represent a small portion of the extensive museum collection. The group will be sold to the highest bidder, creating more room for the museum to better display its other historic items. The sale will also help the museum pay off its mortgage, in turn safeguarding its future and mission to educate the public about the military history of both Europe and America through vehicle displays.
“The National Military History Museum has focused our efforts on educating the community on the U.S. and Europe’s involvement in major wars at home and around the world,” notes Tammy Hantz, operations manager of NMHM. “With the help of Auctions America, we’ll be able to continue these efforts for years to come. These vehicles are time capsules, and we hope the new owners will appreciate how symbolic they are to our country, as well as those countries in Europe that were involved in historic conflicts.”
Two vehicles sure to attract serious attention from collectors are an American GMC DUKW and British Humber Hexonaut GS, amphibious trucks used to transport Allied troops and supplies over land and water during the war. The Hexonaut GS is the only one of its kind known to exist. Vintage 1940s motorcycles are also on the docket, including a 1942 Harley-Davidson UA with sidecar and a 1941 Indian 841 with saddle bags.
WWII German halftrack armored personal carriers, such as the Hanomag Ausf. C and the Hanomag Sd. Kfz. 11, are also scheduled to cross the auction block alongside more than 100 pieces of war memorabilia including a German 8.8 cm Flak 36 gun and an American white M16, also known as the “Meat Chopper.”
