Why the British army strapped a rattle to a Lewis Gun
Royal Armouries
•
10m
The early 20s saw a dramatic reduction in spending from from the European powers who believed the Treaty of Versailles had put pay to any future conflict on the scale of the First World War. This slashing of military expenditure explains this weeks hand-cranked rattle attachment for the British Lewis light machine gun. Jonathan explains how and why such a device would be used.
Up Next in Royal Armouries
-
Keeping your powder dry. The ingeniou...
Parisian gunmaker, Nicholas Bouillet is the designer behind this ornate weapon, featuring two steel box covers to literally 'keep your powder dry' and avoid misfired in wet conditions.
-
The English Civil War arms dealer's c...
This week Jonathan examines a beautifully crafted carbine with an early example of an adjustable butt plate. Set up for use on horseback, this weapon also has a unique family story behind it.
-
The flintlock pistol boarding-axe com...
Masterminded by Swedish admiral, Erik Carlsson Sjöblad, this fascinating early 18th-century combination naval weapon meets firepower with brutal blunt force.
