G.I. Joe WWII 37mm Anti-tank Gun With Ammo #53149 2002 Hasbro NRFB

In early 1945, the Allied forces pushed toward the Rhine River in an effort to enter Germany and sweep into the heart of the Third Reich. To do this, they had to cross and take control of the Rhine, which acted as a natural barrier and an important alternate German supply route. The first crossing of the Rhine took place on

March 7, 1945, as the Allies crossed the Ludendorff Bridge at Remagen. As the Allies broke the barrier of the Rhine, they poured into Germany, fanning out and overrunning pockets of resistance. The end of the war was truly in sight.

One of the weapons that rolled into Germany was the 37mm M3 anti-tank gun. It had a split-trail two-wheeled carriage with a small shield and a hand-operated breech. To increase stability during firing, brakes on the carriage's axle were lowered to the ground and the gun moved on top of them, lifting the wheels from the ground. The gun also saw extensive use in the Pacific, where it had great effectiveness on the small, lightly armored Japanese tanks. Lightweight and easy to tow, the 37mm anti-tank gun provided the military with a practical and efficient anti-tank weapon.

Complete with Ammo - Figures Sold Separately - Equipment List: Right and left wheel brakes, Right and left wheels, Blast shield assembly, Ammo box, Gun barrel, Barrel fin, 2 crank handles, 2 cranks, 2 crank levers, 2 crank linkage arms, crank support, Support arm, Crank case, Barrel cover, Left and right trails, 2 Shells - Ages 5 And Up - Hasbro 2002

The box has a little wear on the corners and some scuffs on the cardboard.