Classic Military Auctions in Normandy have a large auction upcoming on the 3rd and 4th of June where this will go on sale. CLICK HERE to see more.
Estimate 1,000€ – 2,000€
The IF8 (Infanteriekarren 8) was a German hand-drawn trailer widely used by the German military during World War II. It served as a versatile transport device for infantry units, allowing them to carry equipment, supplies, and ammunition over various terrains.
Here are some key details about the IF8 hand trailer:
- Designation: IF8 (Infanteriekarren 8)
- Manufacturer: Various manufacturers, including Schindler, Westfalia, and others.
- Weight: Approximately 200-250 kilograms (440-550 pounds)
- Length: Around 2 meters (6.6 feet)
- Width: Roughly 1 meter (3.3 feet)
- Height: Typically less than 1 meter (3.3 feet)
- Payload Capacity: Approximately 450 kilograms (990 pounds)
- Construction: The trailer had a sturdy steel frame with wooden sideboards and a floor.
- Wheels: Two solid rubber or pneumatic tires, often with a diameter of around 70 centimeters (27.5 inches).
- Hitching System: The trailer featured a single hitch at the front, designed to be pulled by a person or attached to a bicycle or vehicle.
- Versatility: The IF8 hand trailer could be used to transport various items such as ammunition crates, rations, water containers, equipment, and personal belongings.
- Deployment: The trailers were widely used by German infantry units throughout the war on different fronts, including the Eastern Front, Western Front, and in North Africa.
- Variants: There were several minor variations of the IF8 trailer, primarily in terms of manufacturer-specific design details and materials used.
- Production: It is estimated that several hundred thousand IF8 hand trailers were produced during World War II.
The IF8 hand trailer played an essential role in the logistical operations of German infantry units, allowing soldiers to transport necessary supplies and equipment, particularly in areas where motorized vehicles faced challenges or were unavailable. Its simple yet robust design made it an effective means of transport for the German military during the war.