10 Images
Display Status

This object is on display in World War I: The Birth of Military Aviation at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC.

World War I: The Birth of Military Aviation

Object Details

Date

1918

Country of Origin

United States of America

Type

ARMAMENT-Cannons

Manufacturer

General Ordnance Company

Physical Description

Davis recoilless gun consisting of rifled steel tube barrel with hand grip and tiggers for firing both main round and Lewis gun, shoulder rest, and U-shaped support for post mount. Smaller diameter tube underneath serves as pivot to open barrel to load round. Chamber is locked/unlocked with handle on rotating rear tube. Lewis gun mounted on post mount above barrel, used as an aid to aiming by firing Lewis and observing bullet path. 1918.

Dimensions

Overall: 306.1 x 30.5 x 40.6cm, 57.2kg (10 ft. 1/2 in. x 12 in. x 16 in., 126lb.)

Materials

Steel, Brass, Leather, Aluminum

Inventory Number

A19240007013

Credit Line

Transferred from the U.S. Navy Department

Data Source

National Air and Space Museum

Restrictions & Rights

Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonian’s Terms of Use.

Deep dives

    A dozen or more sopwith camel airplanes lined up in a row on a field. Men can be seen around the airplanes in various states of preparation for flight. Deep dive

    The Evolution of World War I Aircraft