These rims are on Ted Jordan’s Bantam Trailer.
He writes, “I have a couple of Wheels on a Bantam T3-C Trailer that I was hoping some of the military guys might recognize and help me identify. The Wheels are def military (I think) as the original coat of paint is olive drab. They are a solid disc looking type wheel, but unlike the civilian type we’re used to seeing on the 45 and early 46 CJ2As. The tires are also a mystery and was told by a military collector he believes they weren’t made in this country . They are 6.00-16s and are marked MALOYA Switzerland Type M. Another friend says he thinks he may have seen this type rim on a Military Searchlight Trailer but wasnt sure.
Similar to Ford tractor, late 40s and 50s?
Hey Colin ,Thanks so much for your input,which is always good to hear. I will poke around with some old tractor images and see what I can find out. Still wondering about the Olive Drab paint and the Swiss Tires ,either way pretty cool rims. I think I will keep them. Thanks again
Ted
Ted- Try looking up Empire Tractors from the 1940s. These were tractors that were built by a Willys subsidiary using Jeep engines and transmissions. Most of them wound up in Europe and Africa as part of the Lend Lease program following WWII. The front wheels are very similar to what you have on your trailer, except some had small vents around the inside of the rim where the hub and rim met.
If your trailer has a European history, it might explain the Swiss tires and even the OD paint underneath, especially if the wheels came off an Empire tractor. There are about 500 left in the USA apparently.
Hi Ted,
I recently purchased a late 44 Willys MBT that was refurbished in Switserland and bought on military auction in 1997. The trailer came with exactly the same rims.
So I can concur that they are military and yes the Swiis Army seemed to use them on their trailers.
Claus
Thanks so much for the input guys !!!Colin I always pay close attention to your comments as I learn something new pretty much every time .Just saw a very cool Empire at the Willys Picnic this Summer and after looking at pics I took of it the rims were indeed very close but they were vented as you mentioned . Claus great to hear from you again and your news seems to match up with what I have here, they will be staying in my collection and going on another Bantam trailer Im keeping !!! Thanks again guys
Ted
Great stuff, with the exchange of info and ideas we have with Dave’s site and also the CJ3B page of Derek’s!
Those are the same wheels that came on a sears trailer i bought some time back
I wonder how desirable these are ?
Sal, it looks like Claus’ answer and the one you found on Facebook match. They seem to be Swiss made rims. So few people know what they are (me included) that the demand is pretty small. So, I’d say there isn’t much demand for them. If you have some and want to sell them, your best bet would be post them to the G503 FB page or the G503 forum.
– Dave