What is this tank training gun worth?

[Evansville Collector]

I am looking to purchase this more as yard art, and was wondering if it is to be valued like scrap metal or something rare and valuable?

 

[SETOYOTA]

Well it’s valuable. Definitely not scrap

 

[98G]

One wonders if it has functional parts.... things that might make it fall afoul of the NFA...

 

[teletech]

Based on the trainer turrets that I saw sold at the Littlefield auction, you would be getting a good deal at $3k and it might easily be worth double that.

 

[Evansville Collector]

No joke? It has some pretty bad rust on one of the tubes, the little tool box lid has the hinges rusted off, and it currently does not rotate. Something is binding it up. I am sure time, grease, and going through the gear boxes will make it work again.

 

[Evansville Collector]

I have no way of knowing lol! - It does have a small metal slotted plate with a tiny pin covering the barrel tip.

 

[teletech]

It depends a great deal on what turret it simulates and to a lesser extent on what parts are identical to the real thing or live.
As for identifying the turret it is intended to simulate, it looks '40s to me but someone should be along soon to offer the correct identity.
Of course, any additional dataplates you can find on it would help with identification, check the rear area on the gun and where the sight would live.

As to the ones I've seen sold, this covers $690-5700 and yours is way nicer/more complete than most of them.
https://rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/LC14/The-Littlefield-Collection/lots/r5118/573917
https://rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/LC14/The-Littlefield-Collection/lots/r5116/573913
https://rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/LC14/The-Littlefield-Collection/lots/r5115/573911
https://rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/LC14/The-Littlefield-Collection/lots/r5132/573945
https://rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/LC14/The-Littlefield-Collection/lots/r5117/573915

It is possible (unlikely) that the barrel, breech, etc. are standard gun parts, which could be a legal problem.
There are those who would freak out or scare you about the possibility of a live gun, don't worry too much. The odds are excellent it was demilled to the correct spec at the time. The old demills are valuable as they weren't as destructive as the newer ones, so guys who have legal live guns are interested in parts, etc.
That said, I'd advise contacting a collector or trusted class-3 dealer for advice on this matter rather than just calling up the ATF.

 

[silverstate55]

It depends a great deal on what turret it simulates and to a lesser extent on what parts are identical to the real thing or live.
As for identifying the turret it is intended to simulate, it looks '40s to me but someone should be along soon to offer the correct identity.
Of course, any additional dataplates you can find on it would help with identification, check the rear area on the gun and where the sight would live.

As to the ones I've seen sold, this covers $690-5700 and yours is way nicer/more complete than most of them.
https://rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/LC14/The-Littlefield-Collection/lots/r5118/573917
https://rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/LC14/The-Littlefield-Collection/lots/r5116/573913
https://rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/LC14/The-Littlefield-Collection/lots/r5115/573911
https://rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/LC14/The-Littlefield-Collection/lots/r5132/573945
https://rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/LC14/The-Littlefield-Collection/lots/r5117/573915

It is possible (unlikely) that the barrel, breech, etc. are standard gun parts, which could be a legal problem.
There are those who would freak out or scare you about the possibility of a live gun, don't worry too much. The odds are excellent it was demilled to the correct spec at the time. The old demills are valuable as they weren't as destructive as the newer ones, so guys who have legal live guns are interested in parts, etc.
That said, I'd advise contacting a collector or trusted class-3 dealer for advice on this matter rather than just calling up the ATF.

Agreed, that is well worth saving and selling to a private collector. There are private owners of tanks & armored vehicles around you who might be interested in that, you should be able to find contact info through the MVPA.

If no luck there, take teletech's advice and contact a Class 3 NFA dealer, especially if they deal with destructive devices (DD's). They'll be able to pair you up with a buyer and get you a good price, as well as saving a valuable piece of history.

Leave the government out of it unless you have no choice. See fuzzytoaster's tale of relocating tanks in Texas from not too long ago, don't invite the Man into your life unless you have no other recourse.

 

[dougco1]

Wrap some sheet metal around the tubing, mount it on the back of a Duce guntruck, run it down any USA city street during rush hour and see how long it takes the Mayor to call out the National Guard.