The Hotchkiss Revolving Cannon: A Powerful 19th-century Artillery Piece

💥The Hotchkiss Revolving Cannon was a highly effective naval weapon used in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

🔫The cannon featured a unique design, with one bolt and a rotating barrel cluster, allowing for a slower rotation and improved accuracy.

💣It fired explosive projectiles and could also be loaded with armor-piercing rounds or canister shot for different purposes.

🌍The Hotchkiss Revolving Cannon was popular among many countries, including the United States, France, and Spain.

🔍Despite its heavy weight and low rate of fire, it remained in service through World War I and was even repurposed as an anti-aircraft gun.

Where was the Hotchkiss Revolving Cannon used?

—The cannon was widely used in naval warfare, particularly during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It was also used as a fortress defensive gun and as an anti-aircraft gun in World War I.

What made the Hotchkiss cannon unique?

—The Hotchkiss cannon had a rotating barrel cluster and a single bolt mechanism, providing improved accuracy and safety. It could fire explosive projectiles, armor-piercing rounds, and canister shot.

Who designed the Hotchkiss Revolving Cannon?

—The cannon was designed by Benjamin Hotchkiss, an American artillery designer. He developed this innovative weapon in France, where he had moved after facing little interest in his designs in the United States.

Which countries used the Hotchkiss Revolving Cannon?

—Many countries, including the United States, France, Spain, and various European and South American nations, purchased and used the Hotchkiss Revolving Cannon.

Can the Hotchkiss Revolving Cannon still be found today?

—While the Hotchkiss Revolving Cannon is an antique, examples can still be found in some museums and private collections. This particular cannon, which likely saw action in the Spanish-American War, is currently up for auction.

00:07Introduction to the Hotchkiss Revolving Cannon, a legendary artillery piece.

00:49Overview of Benjamin Hotchkiss, the American inventor behind the cannon.

02:16Hotchkiss's inspiration from the failed French Mitrailleuse.

03:36Description of the Hotchkiss cannon's calibre and choice of explosive projectiles.

03:47Comparison between the Hotchkiss cannon and the Gatling gun.

07:13Explanation of the loading process and the gun's rate of fire.

09:52Insight into the use and features of the Hotchkiss cannon's bolt and firing pin.

12:10Details about the gun's weight, storage compartment, and additional tools.

13:15The popularity of the Hotchkiss cannon in naval warfare and its specific ammunition types.

14:19The continued use of the Hotchkiss cannon in World War I and its role as an anti-aircraft gun.

15:31Provenance of the specific Hotchkiss cannon being auctioned at Morphy Auctions.