History of hinged front bumper?

[primal4x4]

A new to me M-2-4 came in with capstan shaft off the winch and hinged front bumper. I've seen pictures of this on other m-2-4's but what is the story? Who and when was this done, to how many trucks. Also, this truck is closed cab, from the pictures, does it look original?

Truck #2, more pictures: http://imageevent.com/primal4x4/vehicleprojects/m24

[Dave Ball]

Story has it these trucks were used to set artilliary pieces in pits.
I have seen five trucks like this. They were field expedance modifications more than likely, like most modifications it is next to impossible to know the number with added capstans. I do know that I have only seen two with the hinge like yours. Paul Denubilo!s truck has a capstan winch.
He has posted pictures on this forum of it.

[Dave Ball]

Speaking of crazy winch mods here is an M-2-4 with a double winch setup check out the double controls on the driverside frame horn. Many years ago I saw a setup like this used in Alaska for dragging in fishing nets. Not sure what this setup was used for on this truck.