Lot 1321: Hotchkiss Swivel Cannon Rifle 50 BMG

This revolving "cannon" is chambered for black powder .50 BMG cartridges and is marked "MFD. BY MICHAEL B. SUCHKA-CLARINGTON, OHIO USA - .50 CALIBER B.M.G. -SN KAL--01 OCT. 4. 1993" on the left side of the action and has "HOTCHKISS" and "PARIS" marked on the belt of the Hotchkiss logo which has "BLACK POWDER ONLY/S.N. KAL-01/CAL. .50 BMG/WT. 297 LBS." The barrels are also each marked "BLACK POWDER ONLY". The cartridge feed is marked 3 through 7, and the action is numbered 1 through 5 at the breech near each barrel. It is mounted on a green painted carriage. The original Hotchkiss revolving cannons were Gatling inspired artillery pieces invented in 1872 by Benjamin B. Hotchkiss. Versions were designed for field and naval use in 37 mm, 47 mm, and 53 mm. The original 16 ounce 37 mm cartridges were designed because exploding projectiles that weighed under 14 ounces were prohibited from use because they were deemed "inhumane". They were used by several countries throughout the world, including the U.S., France, and Russia, and had an impressive range of over four miles (considered accurate to a mile). A 37 mm Hotchkiss field gun is known to have been used by the U.S. Army during the Indian Wars including during the Ute Uprising in Colorado in 1879. Others were used during the Spanish-American War by both sides. Hotchkiss naval revolving cannons continued to be used even into WWI primarily as defensive weapons used by larger vessels against torpedo boats. Michael B. Suchka of Valley Engraving, Inc. and Thunder Valley Machine Co. has produced a number of high quality small scale and full sized replicas of Hotchkiss and Gatling crank guns.

Very fine. The revolving cannon has an authentic aged appearance. It retains 85% of the original blue finish on the barrels and small component with some mild oxidation on the balance. The brass has an attractive aged patina. 90% of the green pain remains on carriage with some areas of minor flaking. The action is fine.