Quick Look at a 37mm Maxim "Pompom" Automatic Cannon

Published on September 21, 2019
Duration: 2:14

This video provides a detailed look at the rare 37mm Mk III Maxim 'Pompom' automatic cannon, a scaled-up Maxim machine gun. It highlights key mechanical differences, such as the clock-style mainspring and larger 1.25-pound shell. The cannon's historical usage, from ground roles to anti-aircraft applications, is discussed, with this specific example located at the Canadian War Museum.

Quick Summary

The 37mm Maxim 'Pompom' is a scaled-up Maxim machine gun, distinguished by its clock-style mainspring and a 1.25-pound shell. It achieved 300 rounds per minute and was used in naval and anti-aircraft roles. A rare Mk III variant is displayed at the Canadian War Museum.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the Pompom Gun
  2. 00:35The Rare Mark III Variant
  3. 00:55Mechanical Design and Cooling
  4. 01:22Historical Usage and Museum Location

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the 37mm Maxim Pompom unique compared to standard Maxim machine guns?

The 37mm Maxim 'Pompom' is a scaled-up version featuring a distinct clock-style mainspring instead of a coil spring, and it fires a larger 1.25-pound shell with a 124mm case.

What historical roles did the 37mm Maxim Pompom cannon serve?

Initially used by the Boers in ground roles, these cannons were commonly mounted on naval vessels and later adapted for anti-aircraft defense by World War I.

Where can one see a 37mm Mk III Maxim Pompom cannon?

A specific example of the rare Mark III variant, produced by Vickers Sons & Maxim in 1905, is on display at the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa.

What are the key technical specifications of the 37mm Mk III Maxim Pompom?

This variant fires a 1.25 lb shell, has a 124mm case length, a rate of fire of 300 rpm, and features water-cooling and belt-fed mechanisms.

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