D36960
CRADLE, PINTLE AND AMMUNITION BOX ASSEMBLY
Fig.
2 D36960 CRADLE, PINTLE AND AMMUNITION BOX ASSEMBLY
Earlier cradle assembly
developed for use on skate and pedestal mounts. The weapon attached to the cradle
by means of a forward bracket and rear elevating mechanism inherited from the
M2 and M3 tripods. On the later version, the D54075 (shown here on the D36961
pintle socket and carriage), the rear elevating mechanism was replaced with a
fixed bracket. Elevation of the entire assembly was controlled by means of a clamp
actuated by a small handle. Fig.
2a
Exploded view of the D36960 assembly showing the elevating mechanism and
swivel pivot from the M3 tripod, and the small handle and clamp device for controlling
the elevation of the entire assembly. Fig.
2b
Exploded view of the later D54075 assembly showing the fixed bracket that
replaced the rear elevating mechanism. Fig.
2c
Though blurry, this picture shows the D69960 in action on a M3 75mm Gun
Motor Carriage in Tunisia in the spring of 1943. One can tell it is the D69960
and not the later D54075 by the presence of rear elevating device (wheel) at the
rear of the cradle. | 
