Renault FT Light Tank (Char Renault FT)
Military technological icon / Industrial design sculpture • Designed by Rodolphe Ernst-Metzmaier and supervised by Louis Renault
Style & Movement
Early 20th-century Industrial/Military Functionalism
Medium & Technique
Cast and rolled steel plating, riveted assembly, internal combustion engine components
Creation Period
circa 1917-1918
Dimensions & Format
Approx. 5.00m (length with tail) x 1.74m (width) x 2.14m (height)
Subject Description
A light tank featuring the revolutionary first-ever use of a 360-degree rotating turret on a tracked armored vehicle. It displays a low profile, large drive wheels, and a 'tail' for trench crossing.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Excellent (Museum Grade). The surface appears well-maintained with a contemporary olive drab field livery.
Estimated Market Value
Highly variable due to rarity; privately owned examples can range from $250,000 to $500,000 USD.
Auction Estimate
$200,000 - $450,000 USD depending on operational status and historical provenance.
Provenance History
Likely French military service followed by acquisition/preservation by the Musée de l'Armée (Invalides, Paris), where it is currently displayed.
Art Historical Significance
A fundamental milestone in industrial design; it established the standard tank layout (crew forward, turret center, engine rear) still used globally today.
Notable Features
Includes a distinctive red diamond tactical marking on the rear hull and a visible identification serial number '73523' on the side skirt.
Condition Issues
Minor surface oxidation visible on tracks, potential internal fluids/corrosion if not treated, likely non-functional engine for display purposes.
Conservation Recommendations
Controlled indoor humidity to prevent metal oxidation; periodic application of archival waxes to exterior steel.