The first Maxim machine gun, which caliber?

[DoD]

Which cartridge did the original Maxim machine gun fire? Some sources speak of the .577/.450 Martini-Henry round, but others mention a mysterious .45 Maxim aka 11.5x62R. Does anyone have some really reliable information?

 

[Frank Exchange Of Views]

Looking at my copy of Goldsmith's excellent The Devil's Paintbrush the original "Prototype" was chambered in the solid-drawn .45 Gatling-Gardner cartridge, page 20 of the first edition.

On page 346 in the Ammunition chapter there is an illustration of the original .45 G.G. as well as the improved Gatling-Gardner round introduced in 1885 for the Nordenfeldts and Maxims.

Even neater on that page is the (unfortunately B&W) illo and caption for the .450/577 Martini Henry cartridge for use in the 1889 British Army Maxims - says that the MG version of the cartridge "was often identified by an orange paper patch to distinguish it for use in the Maxim."

 

[DoD]

Thank you, this is just what I wanted to know. Could you upload a scan of the .45 GG cartridge and tell me some ballistic data?
Btw, I've heard the first Maxim MG was made in 1883, is this correct?

 

[Frank Exchange Of Views]

Unfortunately, I do not have a scanning capability at this moment to help you there.

I am uncertain what the ballistics for the .45 G.G. were off the top of my head - when I get home I will see if I have anything in one of my other books.

Again - going from memory the first "Prototype" gun was built in 1883, I do not know if the "Forerunner" was built in 1883 or 1884 - just know that both were shown at an exhibition in 1884 where I think Maxim won a prize for the gun (don't you just hate it when the details elude you and the book is at home?)