Model (?) Tank ?

[MikeS0000]

Hi Folks -

I actually do quite a bit of modeling, and collect ID Models, as well as other in-sundry militaria. Which is why these oddball items catch my eye. My question today is about the 'tank' or perhaps self propelled gun that is pictured below. Does anyone recognize it as being modeled after an 'actual' vehicle? Or just someone's fantasy?

It is 4"L x 2+"W x 2"H and is made of a heavy, perhaps cellulose/plaster type material. Seems I've encountered this material before but can't place it...

Thanks and Best Regards!

- Mike

[ian]

i believe this to be a styalised M3 grant ,the side on view is the teller ,suspension,hull shape , and sponson gun , all be it on both sides ,as i say styalised ,,, but a loverly model , i realy like it cheers ian

[StuG III]

Looks almost similar to a US Lee/Grant tank, but not exact.
Tom

[MikeS0000]

Ian, Stug -

Thanks very much. Yes, it really caught my eye. Seems it is a cast or molded piece that is hand finished and polished. Almost a 'bakelite' type material. I would say it weighs almost a pound.

Best regards!
- Mike

[davejb]

Possibly a piece of soldier art made by a POW perhaps?

[MikeS0000]

Thanks Gentlemen -

You actually led me onto it. I believe it is a somewhat 'stylized' version of the US M2 Tank.

The when or where it came from is still certainly a mystery!

- Best regards, Mike

[big ned]

It also could be said it's a stylised French Hotchkiss tank. Although i err on the side of it being a fantasy/naive design.

Regards, Ned.

[Steve T]

I know this may sound silly, but it looks like the tank in 'Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade'

Seriously though, the chassis points to an M2, but it is, as other guys have said, rather stylised.

I think the POW theory is a good one. This could well be the result of someone's 'memory' of an M2.

Cheers

Steve T