Description

37 mm Model 1885 Hotchkiss Revolving Cannon Round

Discover a remarkable piece of military history with the 37 mm Model 1885 Hotchkiss Revolving Cannon Round. Manufactured by PDPS Pinchart Deny in Paris, France, Lot 363, January 1917, this artifact exemplifies the ingenuity of late 19th-century artillery design. It is a valuable collectible for enthusiasts of World War 1 artifacts and French ammunition.

Key Features

• Original 37 mm round from the Model 1885 Hotchkiss Revolving Cannon
• Manufactured by PDPS Pinchart Deny, Paris, France
• Lot 363, January 1917 production
• Historical significance in naval and land defense
• Collectible item for military history enthusiasts

Historical Significance and Design

The 37 mm Model 1885 Hotchkiss Revolving Cannon was a pioneering rapid-fire artillery system developed by American inventor Benjamin B. Hotchkiss. Part of a family of revolving cannons, including 40 mm, 47 mm, and 53 mm versions, it was specifically designed for the French Navy. Featuring five rifled barrels mounted around a common axis, the cannon utilized a single loading, firing, and extraction mechanism, distinguishing it from the Gatling gun. Its design enabled a firing rate of 60–80 explosive shells per minute, with a range of up to 4,000 meters and no recoil, allowing for single-man operation.

The 37 mm calibre was chosen to comply with the Congress of St. Petersburg’s limitations on explosive ammunition weight. Development began in the early 1870s, with the French Navy adopting it by 1875 for torpedo-boat defense. It also served with the Brazilian Army, Argentine Navy, and U.S. military for coastal and field defense.

Service and Legacy

This versatile artillery piece was employed in various roles, including naval defense against torpedo boats, fortress and coastal artillery, and field artillery by the U.S. Army in the 1890s. Its influence extended beyond its operational life, impacting the design of later machine guns and rapid-fire systems. Today, the 37 mm Model 1885 is cherished by collectors and historians as a symbol of late-Victorian military innovation.

Compatibility and Use

This round is intended for collectors and historical display purposes only. It is not suitable for live firing and should be handled with care to preserve its historical integrity.

Additional information