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.”
“When we heard of the center’s struggle to pay off its mortgage, we knew we couldn’t pass on the opportunity to help them,” added Gould. “Fort Wayne, Auburn and the surrounding communities are home to many active and retired armed forces members who visit the Auburn Auction Park regularly and have welcomed our company with open arms. It’s our turn to give back to the community and help keep this historic and respected site open for generations to come.”
Tickets to the one-day auction are available for $10 per person for the preview day on Friday, Dec. 7, and auction day on Saturday, Dec. 8, which will allow visitors to access the museum. One hundred percent of the proceeds from admissions for both days will go directly to the National Military History Center.
For those interested in participating but unable to attend in person, remote bidding options including Internet, absentee and telephone bidding will be available and the auction will stream live online at auctionsamerica.com to provide real-time coverage of the event. Interested bidders may request vehicle condition reports by contacting one of Auctions America’s world-class specialists.
Full event details and a frequently updated list of auction offerings are available online at auctionsamerica.com.