French 40x100 data required

[Vasco Da Gama]

Can anyone shed any light on the origins of a French 40x100 case? The case dimensions are 100mm long, mouth approximately 40mm and the rim diameter is 47.8mm. The base marking are 37-85 and 97-118 which would normally indicate the standard WW1 37mm pom-pom. However, this case is 6mm longer and the rim is 4mm wider, yet the headstamp is clearly 37-85! Well confused.

 

[kz11gr]

Hi

Do you have a picture please ?

is it a hand made headstamp ?

==

 

[bacarnal]

Sounds like the 40mm French Fortress gun round mentioned by Robert Mellichamp in his 37mm book, Vol 1. Either he or Gordon (Gspragg) would have have better info on it, though. Cheers, Bruce.

 

[kz11gr]

Sounds like the 40mm French Fortress gun round mentioned by Robert Mellichamp in his 37mm book, Vol 1. Either he or Gordon (Gspragg) would have have better info on it, though. Cheers, Bruce.

But the 40mm are not stamped 37 .

I think it is hand made stamped (perhaps as "souvenir")
A picture could bring an answer.

=

 

[Gspragge]

Yes it is likely as above posting says, as most of these have no markings it is easy to add some so to make it like the 37mm kind.

 

[bacarnal]

Forgot the "37" part. I was focused on the 100mm and 40mm. Sorry, Bruce.

 

[charley777]

This is a more "normal" headstamp for the 40x100R fortress canon

 

[EOD]

Have seen one without hs at all. What is the story behind this?

 

[Vasco Da Gama]

Many Thanks for all the replies. I found the case in a local antique fair and initially walked past assuming that it was another French pom-pom. I was lucky because it was next to a true 37mm and I noted the size difference. Attached are 2 photos which illustrate the size difference and the base markings, the cases are visually different. I can find no evidence of any other marking underneath the set described. I did my best with the photos but getting a decent picture without reflections is difficult!

 

[Hoeksel]

The 40x100 case should have a 48 mm rim. These cases exist and are for the Model 1879. I do not have it in my collection anymore, weighing would be a good comparison. The for tourist made fake cases have weird stamps and are very light compared to a real case. There is a book about this special gun that uses the 40x100 case: Le Canon-revolver Hotchkiss de 40 mm, modele 1879 by Jean-Pierre Zedet (ISBN: 9782952970600)

 

[Gspragge]

My feeling is that the unmarked cases were made for both the French Army and possible export. They should be made by Puteaux but perhaps another contractor ? But the marked ones are all very late around the date on the example shown. Of course there are earlier Hotchkiss made examples I believe. The rim size is the same as the Hotchkiss Heavy 1 Pr. the 37x120, also the same rim size as the Maxim 37x126 1 1/4 - 1 1/2 & 2 Prs. This meant if you had the Hotckiss Revolving Cannon in 37x 120 you would be able to buy the Maxim in the same if you wanted too or re-barrel your R.C. to fit the 37x126 VSM round the breech stays the same, it was a marketing thing really as these companies competed.