Introduced in 1902 and immediately bought by the Russian army for its war with Japan the Madsen was produced in every military calibre and adopted by armies throughout the world. Unlike other LMG’s the Madsen used a mechanism which relies on a rear pivoted dropping breech block derived from the Martini action. Despite its strange and expensive mechanism the Madsen was the first successful light machine gun and survived up to the Korean war. This example is marked with a Portuguese crest. Calibre uncertain
Marks and Stamps: (L side of receiver) MADSEN R crest P M No 3073Accession Number: 271 | Period of Use: 1902 - 1950s |
Type: Machine gun | War Zones: |
Country of Origin: Denmark | Type Date: 1904 |
Manufacturer: Dansk Rekylriffel Syndikat AS Madsen, Copenhagen | Serial Number: 3073 |
Manufacture Date: Unknown | Calibre/Ammunition: 7.92mm |
Weight: 9070g | Length Overall: 1143mm |
Cyclic Rate: 450rpm | Length Barrel: 584mm |
Deactivation Certificate Number: DA 70372 |