| Accession Number | REL25850 |
|---|---|
| Collection type | Technology |
| Object type | Firearm |
| Place made | Germany |
| Date made | 1915 |
| Conflict |
First World War, 1914-1918 |
Maxim MG08 Heavy Machine Gun
Description
Maxim MG08 heavy machine gun. The receiver cover plate has the number 2 painted on the top. The fusee spring cover is engraved MASCH.GEW SPANDAU 1915 GEWEHRFABRIK within an oval. The metal parts of the gun have surface rust and both wooden pistol girps are missing.
History / Summary
The standard German heavy machine gun of the First World War. Officially adopted by the German Army in 1901 after extensive field trials which began in 1897 with a demonstration by the inventor Sir Hiram Maxim. The weapon was standardised in 1908 and was made in great numbers. It operated essentially on the same principal as the British Vickers machine gun. Although the MG 08 was a very effective weapon, it was considered to be too heavy on the sleigh-type mount and numerous lightened versions were developed.