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

Published on September 21, 2019
Duration: 2:14

This video provides an expert look at the 37mm Maxim 'Pompom' automatic cannon, a scaled-up Maxim machine gun. The presenter, Ian McCollum of Forgotten Weapons, details the Mark III variant, highlighting its 300 rpm rate of fire, water-cooling, belt-fed system, and unique clock-style mainspring. The historical context of its use in the Boer War and WWI, including its transition to anti-aircraft roles, is discussed, and the specific example is noted as being on display at the Canadian War Museum.

Quick Summary

The 37mm Maxim 'Pompom' is a scaled-up Maxim machine gun featuring a 300 rpm rate of fire and a unique clock-style mainspring. The Mark III variant fires a 1.25 lb shell with a 124mm case. Historically used in ground, naval, and anti-aircraft roles, a notable example 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 is the 37mm Maxim 'Pompom' gun?

The 37mm Maxim 'Pompom' is a scaled-up version of the classic Maxim machine gun, known for its distinct 300 rounds per minute rate of fire and its use of a large clock-style mainspring. It fires a 1.25 lb shell.

What are the key mechanical features of the 37mm Maxim Pompom?

This automatic cannon is belt-fed and water-cooled, retaining many design elements of the standard Maxim gun but scaled up. Notably, it uses a unique clock-style mainspring instead of a coil spring found in smaller Maxim models.

Where can one see a 37mm Maxim Pompom cannon?

A specific example, a Mark III variant produced in 1905 by Vickers Sons & Maxim, is on display at the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa, Canada. It is shown mounted on a naval pedestal.

How was the 37mm Maxim Pompom historically used?

Initially used effectively by the Boers in ground roles, the 37mm Maxim Pompom was predominantly mounted on naval pedestals. By World War I, its role evolved significantly towards anti-aircraft defense.

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