Original U.S. WWII 1943-Dated M3A4 Utility Hand Cart by Rock Island Arsenal - As Seen on Pawn Stars
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Original Item: Only One Available. This incredible World War Two, expertly restored, 1943 M3A4 Utility Hand Cart manufactured by the Rock Island Arsenal, Serial Number 13049 was featured on an episode of History Channel's Pawn Stars. You can watch it on the episode below:
The original WWII data plate reads:
NO. 13049 N.F.R.
HAND CART, M3A4
UTILITY
ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL 1943
One of the most popular small US Army 'vehicles' of WW2 is without doubt the M3A4 Hand Cart. A general misconception is that this was an Airborne item and only used by paratroops. In fact, the cart was a standard Ordnance item used by every branch of the US Army to haul ammunition and equipment. Two carts could be transported in the back of the 2 1/2 Ton Trucks on the floor of the bed between the rows of seated troops. Many also believe these carts were intended to be pulled by the Cushman Model 53 Airborne Scooter.
The US Army's Rock Island Arsenal was a main manufacturer of the early carts but as war progressed other companies such as John Wood Mfg Company, Trussbilt and Omaha Industries Inc also produced a considerable number of carts.
Early carts were completely made in aluminum, but on later models a mix of steel and aluminum parts were used. The early aluminum 5-hole rims were soon replaced with all steel spoke wheels. Different types of tires were mounted, and were supplied by the Firestone Tire Company and the Good-Year Tire Company. Canvas Covers were provided for the different carts (M500-M501-M502-M503) and all carts came with two Towing Ropes that could be attached to any corner of the body for additional towing.
Today, any variation of the M3A4 Utility Hand Cart is a rare and desirable collectible and although many are in collectors' hands, it is one of the more sought after objects on the US WW2 militaria market. They are hard to come by, especially in Europe where most of these carts were put to good use by local farmers after the war. Many of these carts ended up as scrap metal and whenever one shows up, it's either missing several parts or is completely worn out. The tow bar is almost always missing!
As shown in the episode, the cart was in very rough condition before it was restored. This example is now in excellent fully functional condition but in this case a few of the ribs have been replaced. The vertical portion of the tow bar is original, but the horizontal bar at the end was added, though it looks to be an original example that was just transferred from another cart. The rubber tires were also replaced with modern Carlisle brand tires, so that the cart can be used without risk! The entire cart has been repainted and restored to look how it would have during the war! The replicated markings are for the 3rd Infantry Division.
Approximate Measurements:
Total Length of cart: 68"
Total width, (wheels also) 36"
Cart by itself:
Length: 33"
Width: 24.5"
Curbside delivery within the continental US is included with purchase. Customers outside the continental US should contact us for an accurate shipping quote.
- This product is available for international shipping.
- Eligible for all payments - Visa, Mastercard, Discover, AMEX, Paypal & Sezzle
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