This sFH-18 was acquired about 25 years ago from an individual in Georgia where it had apparently been sitting out for many years. Little to no paint was remaining except what appeared to be some red oxide primer applied by the owner to limit further damage. There was corrosion over the entire piece with the light gauge metal box below the rails completely rotted out. Pitting and other deep corrosion is still evident tho now painted over. Due to the condition, this is one of the few pieces in the museum that received a complete restoration. It was in a restoration company's shop for well over a year.

The restoration process substantially disassembled the cannon, freeing up parts that were frozen together, and among other work, fabricating a portion of the corroded box referenced earlier.

During restoration, two things were discovered. Underneath a component, there was enough original paint remaining to establish that the original paint scheme was a camouflage pattern and slightly glossy. Factory applied camouflage was unusual considering the urgency of war production. 

Inquiring with a German company which made paint during the war, we learned that the original paint was linseed oil based and therefore slightly glossy for a short period before fading. The colors and patina were replicated when repainting tho the yellow is a bit bright.

The other discovery during restoration was was the manufacture code and year made. The bxb 42 code is for Skodawerke in Pilsen Czechoslovakia and made in 1942. The earlier  production would account for the camouflage pattern being factory applied. The majority of the Skodawerke production of the 5403 made during the war, was in 1944 with 2295 produced that year.

Another component fabricated during restoration was the breach block assembly.  While the majority is light gauge steel, evident by tapping, the very rear portion with all the markings present was available. The breach block itself is totally fabricated thin steel but has been polished to look like a machined surface.

Interesting about this sFH-18, is while made to be horse drawn, it had air brake connections. Lacking suspension though limited the road speed.

This cannon had one of its' pressed steel wheels replaced with an earlier 1939 cast aluminum wheel which has considerable battle damage. While we don't know why one wheel was replaced, we do not believe it was from battle damage.

We believe the battle damage on the 1939 aluminum wheel was prior to its use on this cannon. Our speculation is based on the large amount of damage to the replacement wheel through none is evident on the rest of the cannon.

In addition, looking at the aluminum wheel damage, it suggests that considerable damage probably occurred to the cannon that was salvaged for parts.