Product Description
WWII M1939 37mm Anti-Aircraft Cannon
This is a rare and historically significant 1939-dated Romanian contract 37mm anti-aircraft gun, identified by its “U.A.B. Md. 1939” markings. Produced under license from the German firm Rheinmetall-Borsig at the Astra Works in Brasov (Uzinele de Armament Brasov), this model served as a cornerstone of the Romanian Kingdom’s air defense during WWII. These guns were vital to the Romanian Army’s defense of the Ploiesti oil fields—the primary fuel source for the German war machine. Because so many were destroyed during the heavy Allied bombing raids of Operation Tidal Wave in 1943 or captured by the Red Army during the 1944 Romanian coup, the survival rate for this specific contract is extremely low. Original Production: Only 360 units were produced under license at the Astra Works in Brasov, Romania. Compare this to the 20,000+ German-made Flak 36/37s or the 20,000+ Soviet M1939 (61-K) guns produced. The “Romanian Contract” Factor: Most surviving 37mm AA guns in the U.S. and Europe are Soviet 61-K models or original German Flaks. Finding a surviving specimen with the specific U.A.B. (Uzinele de Armament Brasov) markings is a “holy grail” for collectors of Romanian or Axis-allied militaria. This specific unit was imported into the United States by International Military Antiques (IMA), adding a layer of provenance for American collectors. There are approximately 5 to 10 confirmed specimens in major European military museums, most notably at the National Military Museum in Bucharest, which holds the primary collection of these indigenous Romanian pieces. In North America, they are exceptionally scarce. Only a handful of these Romanian-contract guns are known to exist in private hands, often having been imported as “parts kits” or deactivated trophies decades ago. It has been professionally deactivated to ATF standards; while it was previously configured for propane simulation, the propane system is currently disconnected. The gun remains an exceptional display piece, retaining the ability to traverse and rotate smoothly on its original two wheeled transport carriage, which includes the front feet and full trailer assembly. Note that the original optical sights are missing. The piece is finished in a desert tan livery and shows honest military wear, including surface oxidation on hardware, paint scuffs, and minor pitting consistent with field use and age.
Note: Buyer is responsible for arranging local Pickup/Transport. Weight: approx. 5,500lbs, H 72″, W 80″, D 150″.
