May 28 & 29, 2020 Extraordinary, Sporting, & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/28/2020
Only one dozen massive "42cm Kurze Marinekanone 14 L/12 in Raderlafette" (42cm short naval cannon on wheeled carriage) were manufactured. The gun was nicknamed "Dicke Bertha" (Big Bertha) by German soldiers in World War I. The gun was designed under great secrecy by Krupp. At the time of construction, the Big Berthas were the largest and most powerful, movable artillery pieces by use of any army in the world. The gun could fire projectiles weighing close to one ton, almost six miles. Shells could penetrate close to 50 ft of concrete and soil. The crew to service one "Big Bertha" was 120 men. Cartridge casing has height of almost 17" bottom diameter of 16.8" a base diameter of 18.3" and weighs over 80 lbs. Casing is marked on base with various proofs and date of July (Juli) 1915 and maker "MAGDEBURG". Cartridge casing was not physically attached to the projectile. In operation of this massive gun, the projectile was loaded first, then cartridge with propellant charge was taken from a wicker basket designed to hold each cartridge, which included several hundred pounds of propellant charge. This massive casing is a very rare collector's item today and nearly all specimens were melted down for their scrap value in years past. CONDITION: Original unaltered unpolished, pleasing patina with scattered areas of more dark patina, with just traces of green verdigris. Interior completely unaltered and vintage. This is a fantastic military conversation piece that can also be used as a one-of-a-kind antique side table. TDW