IDENTIFICACION

Jim McDougall · 3rd August 2012, 10:54 PM

It seems Ive seen or heard of these smallboat guns, and Bannerman was always a relatively little known denominator in the huge volume of surplus and 'acquired' arms in the early days of the 20th c. past WWII.
What came to mind for me was the bizarre rotating drum gun used by Christopher Walken in his 1981 movie "Dogs of War".

Apparantly this 'street sweeper' type gun (in the movie the fictional XM-18) was based on a 1936 development by Charles Manville in France, originally for 12, 12 guage shotgun rounds, but stated actually for tear gas grenades and flares. Later a 25mm version with 18rounds was developed for grenades however because of its weight loaded, was scrapped by 1943.

The movie sparked interest in these attention getting weapons, and a Frankford Armory began production of a version as seen attached with the movie poster for "Dogs of War".

Unclear on what weapon actually was used in those boats, but of course multiple and rotating barrel arms have been around since medieval times so not surprising..but would sure like to know more of them. Not really sure if this gun is one of the old 'Manville's' but possibly.

Berkley · 4th August 2012, 12:02 AM

Here is the listing from the 1927 Bannerman Catalog - not very helpful in terms of origin, and implying that the one pictured and "sold to a collector" is one of a kind.

kisak · 1st September 2012, 05:29 AM

Could there perhaps be some relationship with Puckle's "Defence gun"?

Fernando K · 8th April 2021, 07:35 PM

Hello

Looking at a Hermmann Historica catalog, I found a similar revolver, but of German construction. According to the text, it is a revolver of salvos, built for a representation of a battle at sea, around 1900, a spectacle. See the text

Affectionately

fernando · 14th April 2021, 06:01 PM

Muy interesante ...

.

Dmitry · 15th April 2021, 07:12 PM

Fernando K, is the barrel smoothbore, or rifled?

fernando · 15th April 2021, 07:20 PM

They only fired blanks in these events, as is written. How would rifles be of any use ?

3rd August 2012, 10:54 PM	#1
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,193	It seems Ive seen or heard of these smallboat guns, and Bannerman was always a relatively little known denominator in the huge volume of surplus and 'acquired' arms in the early days of the 20th c. past WWII. What came to mind for me was the bizarre rotating drum gun used by Christopher Walken in his 1981 movie "Dogs of War". Apparantly this 'street sweeper' type gun (in the movie the fictional XM-18) was based on a 1936 development by Charles Manville in France, originally for 12, 12 guage shotgun rounds, but stated actually for tear gas grenades and flares. Later a 25mm version with 18rounds was developed for grenades however because of its weight loaded, was scrapped by 1943. The movie sparked interest in these attention getting weapons, and a Frankford Armory began production of a version as seen attached with the movie poster for "Dogs of War". Unclear on what weapon actually was used in those boats, but of course multiple and rotating barrel arms have been around since medieval times so not surprising..but would sure like to know more of them. Not really sure if this gun is one of the old 'Manville's' but possibly. Attached Images

4th August 2012, 12:02 AM	#2
Berkley Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Austin, Texas USA Posts: 257	Here is the listing from the 1927 Bannerman Catalog - not very helpful in terms of origin, and implying that the one pictured and "sold to a collector" is one of a kind. Attached Images

14th April 2021, 06:01 PM	#5
fernando (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Portugal Posts: 9,694	Muy interesante ... . Attached Images

1st September 2012, 05:29 AM	#3
kisak Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Stockholm Posts: 182	Could there perhaps be some relationship with Puckle's "Defence gun"?

15th April 2021, 07:12 PM	#6
Dmitry Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 607	Fernando K, is the barrel smoothbore, or rifled?

15th April 2021, 07:20 PM	#7
fernando (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Portugal Posts: 9,694	They only fired blanks in these events, as is written. How would rifles be of any use ?