WWII-Era .30 Caliber Delinking Machine & Enbloc Loading Machine – Historic Military Industrial Equipment

Available for auction is an authentic WWII-era .30 caliber delinking machine – a rare and historically significant piece of American military manufacturing. As featured in a Garand Collectors Association Journal article, this machine represents a critical part of the logistics network that kept U.S. soldiers supplied and operational during World War II.

Historical Context:
Between 1940 and 1945, the United States produced over 25 billion .30 caliber cartridges to supply the war effort. To manage this volume, machines like the APE 2009 were essential to repurpose belted ammunition efficiently. The delinker allowed the military to separate cartridges from metal belts for redistribution.

This machine was stored in a wooden crate at a CMP warehouse in Anniston, AL, and opened for the first time since 2005 by GCA team members. It was part of a group of machines previously under Red River Army Depot ownership before being transferred.

Machine Specifications (as noted in U.S. Army TM 43-0001-47):

• Processes 3,000 cartridges per minute
• Capable of segregating a single round from a 4- or 5-round pack
• Could process 900 cartridges a minute for custom repacking

Condition:

• Non-functional: Not currently operational; internal inspection revealed many components intact, but restoration is needed
• Team Assessment: Likely required two operators when in use—one to feed belted ammo and another to manage output
• Includes: Main delinking body, table-mounted system with rubber rollers and guide tracks
• Power Components: Originally powered via Warner Electric clutch/brake unit; Crouse-Hinds electricals (present but untested)

A companion piece to the delinker, the enbloc loader was used to efficiently repack .30 caliber ammunition into 8-round enbloc clips. Togeter, these machines formed a key part of the ordnance chain that fueled U.S. infantry during the war.

Key Features:

• Table-mounted system with adjustable trays and mechanical arms

• Typically operated alongside delinkers for a seamless workflow

Condition:

• Also unrestored, but mostly intact with mechanical components present

• Mechanically driven; some surface corrosion but structurally sound

Note: Both machines are being sold as-is and have not been restored. They are intended for collectors, historians, or museum display. Based on the GCA’s assessment, with sufficient investment and mechanical restoration, the machines could be returned to operating condition.

To read the full article by the Garand Collectors Association and see all photos of the machines, click here.

Location & Pickup: These item are available for local pickup only in Anniston, Alabama.

No shipping is offered due to size and weight.

Perfect for:

• Military history collectors
• Museum displays
• Restoration hobbyists
• Garand and WWII-era equipment enthusiasts

Don’t miss your chance to own a piece of the industrial backbone that helped win World War II. With some elbow grease and restoration expertise, this machine could once again show the power of wartime American engineering.