Rare, Victorian, British Army & Naval .45" Gatling Gun, Mahogany Box for Drum Magazine. Sn - 17085 Rare, Victorian, British, Mahogany Box for Drum Magazine for the British Army & Navy .45 inch Gatling Gun. Sn - 17085 Antiques & Militaria

This is a very rare mahogany box for transporting the large cylindrical drum magazine for the .45 inch Gatling gun in service with the British army in Victorian times as part of the gun carriage. In 1868/69 the War Office conducted trials at Shoeburyness on a variety of different calibre Gatling guns and a Monigney Mitrailleuse under the auspices of Major S.V.Fosbury V.C. Shortly afterwards, the .45 Gatling gun was adopted by both the Army and the Admiralty. As can be seen from a photograph of the carriage mounted Gatling guns, there are one of each of these boxes either side of the gun, mounted on the carriage. The boxes had to be well made because the cylindrical drum magazine was large and heavy with the ammunition in it especially when being towed. This is a sturdy mahogany box to contain such a magazine an inlet brass plaque in the lid is engraved BOX FOR DRUM FOR 45 GATLING GUN. The box measures 13 inches as cube. The box is constructed with 1 inch mahogany timber which is bot dovetailed and cross pinned with mahogany dowels. The box has the 2 original front fastenings and is in a very solid condition with a nice patina to the surface. The price for this rare item includes U.K delivery. Sn 17085