Original Item: Only One Available. This is an original WWII Era 10 Cap Blasting Machine, complete with the original handle. These were used by demolition crews on D-day to destroy the many obstacles on French beaches that had been set up during years of German occupation. This particular example has a brass lower housing, with a lid that appears to be zinc or aluminum, with a data plate on the side with information and instructions. The Data plate reads:

U.S. ARMY
10 CAP BLASTING MACHINE
CAPACITY
10 ELECTRIC BLASTING CAP WITH 30
FEET COPPER LEG WIRES IN SERIES

FIRING INSTRUCTIONS
CONNECT EXTERNAL CIRCUIT TO
BINDING POSTS
TWIST HANDLE VIGOROUSLY TO THE RIGHT

CAUTION
THIS MACHINE MAY LOSE CAPACITY
TEMPORARILY
TO RESTORE; TWIST THE HANDLE
VIGOROUSLY A FEW TIMES

SERIAL NO. 013300
FIDELITY ELECTRIC CO. INC.
LANCASTER, PENNA.

The Blasting Machine comes complete with the original twist handle, but the chain is no longer attached to the machine, broken off at the end. The handle itself is wood and is painted black with heavy loss, in good overall shape. The leather strap is gone, and due to internal issues, the handle only turns a small amount, and the clicking sound is brief.

Offered in good restorable condition, with the expected wear of age.

In December of 1943 and January of 1944, in his new role as Inspector General of the Coastal Defenses, Erwin Rommel carried out an inspection of the Atlantic Wall defenses from Denmark to France. His report found that there was insufficient mine placement, as well as an insufficient number of beach obstacles. In light of this, Rommel insisted upon “nearly round-the-clock” work placing obstacles of a variety of kinds in the months leading up to D-day.

The beach obstacles took a variety of forms, and broadly served to impede the eventual Allied amphibious invasion. Thanks to the work of aerial reconnaissance missions over the coast, the Allies were able to learn what types were being planted along the beaches, and create prototypes to practice within their training.