The Miniature Maxim was a machine gun designed by Hiram Maxim. Chambered for pistol cartridges, the Miniature Maxim is sometimes considered a precursor to the submachine gun.
History[]
The Miniature Maxim was developed by Maxim in the 1890s. It was a scaled-down version of the Maxim-Nordenfelt Model 1895, intended to be used for demonstration purposes. Only one was ever made and it was possessed by Maxim himself; he reportedly carried it in a suitcase and exhibited it at marketing events.
Today, the sole example of the Miniature Maxim is housed at the Royal Armouries in Leeds, UK.
Design[]
The Miniature Maxim was a recoil-operated, air-cooled machine gun. It was internally and externally patterned after earlier Model 1895, miniaturized to facilitate for the 7.63×25mm chambering. It was fed from a belt. The cocking handle was located on the right side of the receiver and the barrel was air-cooled by a series of vents on the underside of the barrel jacket.
Gallery[]
External Links[]
- Centrefire automatic machine gun - Miniature Maxim gun (about 1890) - Royal Armouries