Nicknamed Immergrün or Evergreen, the sFH-18 was one of Germany's main medium howitzers during WWII.  

Our example when acquired had  been sitting outside for many years. Little to no paint was remaining. There was corrosion over the entire piece with the light gauge metal box below the rails completely rotted out. Pitting and other deep corrosion is still evident though it is now painted over. Due to the condition, this is one of the pieces in the museum that received a complete restoration. 
It was in a restoration company's shop for well over a year.

The restoration process substantially disassembled the cannon, freeing up parts that were frozen together, and among other work, fabricating a portion of the corroded box referenced earlier.

During restoration, two things were discovered. Underneath a component, there was enough paint remaining to establish that the original paint scheme was slightly glossy and a camouflage pattern. Factory applied camouflage was unusual considering the urgency of war production.

Inquiring with a German company which made paint during the war, we learned that the original paint was linseed oil based and therefore slightly glossy for a short period before fading. The colors and patina were replicated when repainting though the yellow is a bit bright.

The other discovery during restoration was the manufacture code and year made. The bxb 42 code is for Skoda Werke in Pilsen Czechoslovakia and made in 1942. The earlier production would account for the camouflage pattern being factory applied. The majority of the Skoda Werke production of the 5403 made during the war, was in 1944 with 2295 produced that year.

Another component fabricated during restoration was the breach block assembly.  While the majority is light gauge steel, evident by tapping, the very rear portion with all the markings present was available. The breach block itself is totally fabricated steel plate. 

Interesting fact about our sFH-18, is while made to be horse drawn, it had air brake connections as technology was changing. However, lacking suspension limited the road speed. 

The cannon had one of its' pressed steel wheels replaced with an earlier 1939 cast aluminum wheel which has considerable battle damage. While we don't know why one wheel was replaced, we do not believe it was from battle damage on our cannon as no battle damage was evident elsewhere. 

Rare cannon to find in any condition, our restored sFH-18 is ready for display as a centerpiece in a museum or collection.