Original U.S. WWII era “D-Day” US Army Demolitions Team 10 Cap Blasting Machine by Dixson Incorporated
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Original Item: Only One Available. This is an original WWII era U.S. Army 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 SERIESFIRING INSTRUCTIONS
CONNECT EXTERNAL CIRCUIT TO
BINDING POSTS
TWIST HANDLE VIGOROUSLY TO THE RIGHTCAUTION
THIS MACHINE MAY LOSE CAPACITY
TEMPORARILY
TO RESTORE; TWIST THE HANDLE
VIGOROUSLY A FEW TIMESSERIAL NO. 624
FSN 1375-782-5541
DA-11-173-AMC-449(A)
DIXSON, INCORPORATED
GRAND JUNCTION, COLORADO, U.S.The Blasting Machine comes complete with the original twist handle, still attached by a chain. The handle itself is wood and has surprisingly stood the test of time. Attached is the leather carry strap which appears to be a replacement.
Offered in very good 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.
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