75 mm 1897 model Bir-Hakeim cannon, on a carriage Side view

This 75 mm 1897 model cannon was transformed into an anti-tank cannon at some point between 1940 and 1942.
It is a steel firearm with a bore grooved in a spiraled fashion. The 75 mm shells are loaded by the breech, which has an opening handle. The tube is mounted on an oleo-pneumatic drag, which controls recoil. The whole thing is placed on a carriage, also made of steel, with wheels made from natural rubber. The carriage has spade fitting in order to anchor it into the ground. A protective plate is located at the front of the axletree to ensure the safety of artillery operators. This plate was sawn off and the cannon was repainted in a sandy color so that it could be used on the front lines in Northern Africa.