Finnish M1910 Maxim Machine Gun Ammo Can

 

Finnish M1910 Maxim Machine Gun Ammo Can 

 

History on the M1910 Maxim Machine Gun 

 

The Pulemyot Maxima PM1910 (PM M1910) (Russian: Пулемёт Максима образца 1910 года, Pulemyot Maxima obraztsa 1910 goda - "Maxim's machine gun Model 1910") is a medium machine gun that was used by the Imperial Russian Army during World War I and the Red Army during the Russian Civil War and World War II. Later the gun saw service in the Korean War and the Vietnam War.

 

 

It was adopted in August 1910 and was derived from Hiram Maxim's Maxim gun, chambered for the standard Russian 7.62×54mmR rifle cartridge. The M1910 was mounted on a wheeled mount with a gun shield.

In 1918 - 1920, the industry of Soviet Russia produced 21 thousand new Maxim 1910 machine guns for the Red Army.

In 1930, a modernized version 1910/30 was adopted by the Red Army. M1910/30 can be equipped with optical sight.

In 1941, the gun was modernized once again.

In May 1942, an order was given to begin the development of a new machine gun to replace the Maxim 1910/30. On May 15, 1943, the SG-43 Goryunov was adopted and since summer 1943 Maxim guns were replaced in Soviet service by the SG-43, which retained the wheeled and shielded carriage. However, production of the Maxim did not end until 1945.

In addition to the main infantry version, there were aircraft-mounted and naval variants. Some were fitted with a tractor radiator cap fitted on top of the water jacket to allow handfuls of snow to be packed in to melt while firing.

 

My ammo can is from the Winter War of 1939 to 1940. The Finns captured a lot Russian Equipment and put it back into service with their Military. Mine has a  200rnd, 7.62X54r ammo belt.  

 

Markings on the can are SA inside a square box, and a T bellow that.