I'm going to try and contact the curator tomorrow, and
ask him about the first one, as the date that he gives
doesn't match with Hunnicutt's book as to production dates.
Which means that this is a pre-production prototype, or
the ad is wrong. Also, if anyone knows, please correct me,
but the ad reads that it saw action in North Africa (it's an
M4A1, so it's possible), but that it has original Marine
markings. I don't recall reading anything in the books about
the Marines being in North Africa. I can only think that after
N. Africa, the Marines got hold of it somewhere and converted
it over to the flame-model. (It's a jump, but it's the only thing
that I can think of. This is another question for the curator!
They are being "brokered" by Dave Uhrig, and his e-mail
address is included along with the ads. (I am not including
the curator's phone #, simply because it was given to me
by Mr. Uhrig via e-mail, and I'm not sure if they want it
publicized on the 'Net or not.) Get on your web-browser,
and type in Uhrig. He has a webpage, with pictures of the
various vehicles that he is "brokering" including the flame
model Sherman. Looks rather rusty to me.
1941 Early M4, Sherman Tank (Flame model). Has flame
thrower barrel in place of 75 mm gun. Also has rare double
duckbill track extenders on both sides of each track for sand.
Original U.S. Marine Corps markings. Tank served in North
Africa. Serial #45. Outside properly restored with original
markings. Not running but new original engine included in
price. Modification: Duckbill track extenders installed by
U.S. Ordnance. $45,000. Location: Virginia.
M4-A3 Sherman Tank, fully restored, nice, 65 miles on it
since restoration. $68,500. Location: Virginia.
David Uhrig, phone/fax (614) 772-1540, e-mail: mvs@bright.net.