I had Cowdrey made the 1918 3” barrels, from which the design evolved. Share your source (I only have Hunnicutt).
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It was usually cast in place, but that’s the serial of the upper hull casting, not the tank.
KL
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From the turret.
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Design, Development, and Production of 76-mm Gun, M1A2; Artillery Division, Office of the Chief of Ordnance, ASF; April 1945.
Cowdrey Machine (the plant was actually leased and operated by American Type Founders) also made M2 and M3 75mm guns and M2 and M4 105mm howitzers.
KL
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Excellent, thanks. Now we have another insight for the Collection’s records. I might even be able to look it up.
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What leads you to think that AACC has this in their records? Is there an index or catalog available?
KL
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“Might”
We have a library of about 3000 sqft with a lot of material (as-yet, no electronic directory). But we have lots of files related to the Collections artifacts. I’m stubborn and patient.
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OK . . . Well, lemme know if you find it, and where.
Thx,
KL
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Interesting discovery-
While doing more background work for the (subject), I ran across this about Cowdrey-
Curiouser and curiouser!
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“Gun barrel machines” are likely for making small arms barrels. Cowdrey did not produce cannon making equipment for sale as products. In fact, they didn’t actually make cannons themselves. Their Massachusetts facility was leased by American Type Founders and operated as their Cowdrey Machine Division.
KL
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So many weird things during WWII. As model railroader I learned the Lionel Toy Train Company produced compasses for the US Navy.
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Does this tank even have a Cowdrey manufactured gun?
KL
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Hey Kurt-
I don’t know yet. Since I was clueless about the second manufacturer, I didn’t check the gun data plate. I will.
I’m more curious than anything. The more I do this armor archaeology thing, the more there is to dig. For example, one day I discovered that the armor covers of the Tiger E exhaust system have part and serial numbers. Oddly, that was not well known anywhere until I needle-gunned and the wire-brushed the paint off prior to finishing the vehicle for prep and paint.
Things like that make it a bit more fun.
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We have at least 5 vehicles equipped with the M1-series 76mm gun. I hope to get on/in each of them and look for [data plates] breech ring stampings. Where’s my 2404?!
Thanks for the insights.
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Guns won’t have data plates; the identification information is stamped into the breech ring.
KL
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Kurt, your wealth of correct knowledge and expert information are invaluable to everyone here. Thank you.
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It’s amazing what gets dug up just in doing research. Another indication of the massive manufacturing effort of the US during ww2. Every layer exposes another.
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In 30 years since retirement, I’d forgotten that. Thanks!
For those who don’t realize it, Kurt is a renowned expert on the M4 (and derivatives). I have used his resources for years. Like that old commercial used to say: “when Kurt speaks, everyone listens!”
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The man co-authored the New Testament of the “Sherman Bible”. He’s a PhD when it comes to the M4 Sherman tank. The Sherman tank loving community is very lucky to have someone like him around 
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Yup-
I’ve read his works many times w/o picking him out of the crowd. He is also humble. I am better prepared to go back into the M4A1(76)w now!
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