Original U.S. WWII D-Day Army 10 Cap Blasting Machine by White-Rodgers Electric Co. - Demolition Team

Original Item: Only One Available. This is an original WWII U.S. Army 10 Cap Blasting Machine, complete with the original handle and broken leather carry strap. These were used by demolition crews on D-day to destroy the many obstacles on French beaches that had been set up during years of German occupation. This particular example has a brass lower housing, with a lid that appears to also be zinc or aluminum, with a data plate on the side with information and instructions. The Data plate reads:

U.S. ARMY
BLASTING MACHINE
10 CAP
THIS MACHINE MAY LOSE
CAPACITY TEMPORARILY. TO
RESTORE, TWIST THE HANDLE
VIGOROUSLY A FEW TIMES
MANUFACTURED BY
WHITE-RODGERS ELEC. CO.
ST. LOUIS. MO.
TYPE 6901 NO. 1
SERIAL NO. 38267
MADE IN U.S.A.

The Blasting Machine comes complete with the original twist handle, still attached by a chain though it was reattached to the twist handle. The handle itself is wood, and retains much of its paint. Attached is the original leather carry strap, but it has broken off of one side as shown, and shows heavy crazing. Offered in very good condition, with the expected wear of age. Comes ready for further research and display.

In December of 1943 and January of 1944, in his new role as Inspector General of the Coastal Defenses, Erwin Rommel carried out an inspection of the Atlantic Wall defenses from Denmark to France. His report found that there was insufficient mine placement, as well as an insufficient number of beach obstacles. In light of this, Rommel insisted upon “nearly round-the-clock” work placing obstacles of a variety of kinds in the months leading up to D-day.

The beach obstacles took a variety of forms, and broadly served to impede the eventual Allied amphibious invasion. Thanks to the work of aerial reconnaissance missions over the coast, the Allies were able to learn what types were being planted along the beaches, and create prototypes to practice within their training.