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Aetheling–your grade is changed to a a B. I just found out–really–it was used in that capacity, but found wanting. Laterit was supposedly used on bicycles!
Unusual weapon--saw it it military museum in Argentina--any guesses?
Due to the lack of response I shall reveal the nature and date of the mystery weapon.It was invented in Italy in 1914.It uses 9 mm parabellum ammunitionIt is touted as being the world's first sub-machine gunIts name is Villar Perosa and an additional pic is provided.
It was invented in Italy in 1914.It uses 9 mm parabellum ammunitionIt is touted as being the world's first sub-machine gunIts name is Villar Perosa and an additional pic is provided.
This from Wikipedia..."The Italians developed the Villar Perosa, introducing it in 1915. It is not a submachine gun, as it can't be fired from shoulder and without support. Originally developed as an aircraft weapon, it also saw some use by infantry as a light machine gun. This odd design was eventually modified to become a traditional submachine gun,the OVP 1918 that evolved into the Beretta 1918 after the end of WWI .However, the Bergmann MP18 is the first true submachine gun and has been used intensively starting with Operation Michael in March 1918."A very interesting arm, thanks for posting something we can all learn from. I like anything WWI. Picture of the Beretta M1918 below, notice how similar the mechanism. Also the MP 18.
Yes–the Germans had the better solution. In the spring 1918 offensive some storm troopers were armed with these and bags of grenades which permitted them to employ tactics that broke the British line. Logistics and looting slowed the advance and sent them back to their lines with horrible losses and a loss of a sense of confidence. The Thompson sub-machine gun which used some of the same principles arrived too late on the scene to be used as a “trench” broom which the inventor had intended. Many Bergmann's survived the war and ended up being used by police and para military units. Did the article mention that the Villar Perosa also had a bicycle mount–never saw a picture. The picture you have is essentially a Villar Perosa sawn in half and affixed to a stock–same mechanism–simple blowback–open bolt–fixed firing pin and sub-sonic ammunition.
Nope, they failed to mention that… wiki sometimes leaves a bit to be desired but usually a close first approximation.This was a neat thread, thanks for your effort.
Nope, they failed to mention that... wiki sometimes leaves a bit to be desired but usually a close first approximation.This was a neat thread, thanks for your effort.
Wait till we do the Pederson device! Watch out HUNS!
Side note: some years back I was in England and got out to Bisley Camp where they hold the Imperial Shooting Championships. Visited the Artists Rifle Club which in addition to having lost more members (% wise than any other club on base) in the 14-18 War also had a top notch little museum of WWI memorabilia… I'll dig around and see if I can find my pics.
