Hello John,  I just got on the site and we are now over 181,000 hits.  Maybe other Tank wanna-be-owners are checking out possible competition.  Have you tried any communication with the owner?  Seems in the description he has done some research.  Near the Auction site is a Military Base called The Rock Island Arsenal.  They have a Museum with a great many Military Weapons there.  I have contimplated contacting them for  information.  Back in the teens, there was a Wallis Cub used there, which is mentioned in the journals of the 1000 mile trek.  I do not know if my Great Grandfather sold it to them, or a deal was cut at a much higher level.  No one at the Museum had a clue what I was even talking about, and had no ambition to look through the archives.  More history lost in the Cosmos.    Tim

Hello again Tim,

If you go to the auctioneers web site there are three lengthy videos in which a chap goes into great detail describing the tank.  They are very informative and well worth watching.  The main thing that comes out of it is what an appaling vehicle to operate in - crammed and claustraphobic!   I'd much sooner be out in the fresh air on an MH tractor!

I will make more contact with the auctioneer and see if we can find out anything more

John

Tim,

Grim news from the auctioneers!  It is a b....... Cadillac and not a Massey-Harris.  A sad day indeed.  I've thrown my cheque book back in the drawer!

From the auctioneers:- 
Hello Mr. Farnworth,
 
Thank you for your interest in the upcoming Auction and the Lot 1387. The Stuart tank is noted in the consignor research as a Cadillac.
 
Let me know if I can be of any additional assistance.
 
Sincerely,
 
Casandra Braeckevelt

Anyway hope that you will go and see it sold and report back to us.  I wonder were there any detail differences between MHs and Cadillacs?

All the best
John

Hi Tim,

I just checked on the auctioneers web site and the tank sold for a healthy 287,500 $!  I wonder did you go to the sale - if so I expect that you are still getting your breath back.  This was above the estimated price and I suppose that there would be auctioneers charges on top of that?

John

Hello John, Thanks for the update on the purchase price,  That would be a hefty down payment on Joe's GP;s.  I had thought about looking to the auction company's website to see the selling price.  And the Rock Island Auction Company is regarded as one of the top Gun Auctioning Companies,so a hefty seller's fee will be there.  I hope the buyer was there and not on the Web, for the addtional charges.  I'll keep looking for you John!!!!  Best to you ... Tim

Thanks for the sales info Tim. If it's anything like over here I expect that the auctioneers would pocket 5-10% on top of the sale price.

We'll just have to keep looking for that elusive MH tank............

John

John,

Since you missed out on the last Massey Harris Tank I found one a little more affordable I think you should buy to add to your collection.

Click link below

Joe

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Massey-Harris-1-72-scale-M5-Army-Tank-with-Mini-Ammo-Can/323787166089?hash=item4b63381189:g:MewAAOSw8GJcv5yq

Thanks Joe,

I have taken the hint and it may well be a lower cost way out of my lingering problem!
John