15cm. schwere Feldhaubitze 1902 (15cm. s.F.H. “02)

Restoration of the 1917 dated howitzer


15cm sFH 1902 (1917) Cheeks

(Above) The 15cm. s.F.H. 1902 dated 1917 was in comparative good condition when acquired.  As an indicator of this, its wooden wheels are original and in good serviceable condition.  This photograph shows the cheeks and traversing mechanism broken down after sandblasting, Ospho, priming and painting.

15cm sFH 1902 (1917)

In this second photograph the pivot point in the center of the cheeks is easily seen.  This is where the recoil mechanism fits into the cheeks and then can be traversed by the gearing also seen in this photo.

sFH 02 traverse

This is the traverse gearing for the sFH 02.

sFH 02 traverse

This is the traverse gearing partly assembled for the sFH 02.

15cm sFH 1902 (1917)

The large bronze elevation gear and brake system is seen in this photograph.

sFH 02 elevation

The large bronze elevation gear fitted into place and the brakes assembled.

15cm sFH 1902 (1917 dated piece) Recoil Tube

This is the recoil cylinder after sandblasting, ospho, primer and paint on the forward cap.

sFH 02 recoil

This is the recoil cylinder with the recoil springs after sandblasting, ospho, primer and paint on the forward cap. (The white specks on the recoil springs are from excessive Ospho.  Because these springs are incased in grease and not painted the excessive amount of Ospho was not a problem.)

15cm sFH 1902 (1917 dated piece) Spade

Recoil spade, locking cam and lever.

sFH 02 (1917)

 Recoil spade, locking cam and lever assembled.

sFH 02 (1917)

This is another view of the spade after assembly.

15cm sFH 1902 (1917 dated piece) Brakes

Brake pads and frame with the brake cable.  The end cap for the wheel hub is to the right.

15cm sFH 1902 (1917) Brakes

Brake lever and the wheel end cap.

15cm sFH 1902 (1917) Brakes

A photograph of the brakes during assembly.

sFH 02 (1917)

This is another view of the brakes during assembly with the cable ready to be wrapped around the wheel hub.

sFH 02 recoil cradle

In this photograph the cheeks with the recoil cradle and the traversing mechanism attached is hoisted up and put onto the howitzer’s carriage.  The howitzer’s barrel is visible to the bottom right.

sFH 02 (1917)

The recoil cradle mounted into the cheeks, sitting on the carriage.

sFH 02 (1917)

In this photograph, one of two shims which hold the traversing mechanism together tightly is shown.

sFH 02 recoil

In this photograph, the recoil cylinder and springs are drawn back into the recoil cradle with a host.  Ralph uses a crowbar to align the recoil guides and the recoil lugs on the cylinder.  With the great spring pressure at this point it is important for safety reasons not to move forward of the cradle.  

15cm sFH 02 (1917 Dated Piece after Restoration & paint

(Above) The 15cm. sFH 1902 with 1917 dates after restoration and disruptive camouflage paint.

 

sFH"02 Sightmount

We need for this sFH 1902 Sightmount

To see this 15cm sFH 1902 after the restoration and Disruptive Camouflage Paint (2nd Howitzer on Page) 

 

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All images, research, and text are sole property of Ralph Lovett.