Relic M3 Lee Main Data Plate WW2 Lend Lease Tank Destroyed at Kursk Ultra Rare For Sale

Relic M3 Lee Main Data Plate WW2 Lend Lease Tank Destroyed at Kursk Ultra Rare
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Relic M3 Lee Main Data Plate WW2 Lend Lease Tank Destroyed at Kursk Ultra Rare :
$475.00

Up for sale is the main data plate from a WW2 M3 Lee tank that was one of approximately 1,200 shipped to Russia in 1942 as part of the Lend-Lease program. The data plate was removed from the wreckage of a tank unearthed in the Kursk area area at some point after the war, and was purchased from a Russian collector by a very reputable seller who specializes in museum-quality WW2 relics; I bought it from him about ten years ago. As you can see, the data plate came from a tank that had been built by Chrysler in 1942 in Detroit. Like all Lend-Lease equipment earmarked for Russia, the tank was then sent by train to the east coast, loaded aboard a freighter, shipped across the U-Boat infested Atlantic to the Arctic port of Murmansk, and then moved by rail to its destination in Russia, so this is one well-traveled and very collectible piece of hardware. The fact that it is part of a tank that participated in the largest armored battle in history makes it especially rare and desirable. These data plates were mounted in the interior of the tank to the right of the driver's seat, as can be seen in photos from the period. The M3 Lee was made famous by Humphrey Bogart in the classic WW2 film "Sahara," and although it is not as iconic as its replacement, the more heavily armed M4 Sherman, it served with some distinction in the North African campaign. The plate is solid brass and is in good, displayable condition. As with all my items, I unconditionally guarantee its authenticity, so buy with confidence.
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