I have a Hotchkiss portative in 303 British. In all the research I have done on the weapon I have never seen what the mount looked like that used in a tank. Any help in this regard would be appreciated.
Lucky chap, not many of those around! Is it the Tank version with the folding stock, too? For mounting in a tank, for Mk IV (when fitted)/MK V/ Whippet etc, they appear to have just slotted into the ball mounting. For the Mk I and Mk II they had a bar along the top of the barrel (so you could see down the sights) and just put through the outward facing, top-hinging flap
In the Mark One Tank they seem to have made use of the existing mounting pins which simply drop into a slot in the mounting. As Rob said there was a rod raised above the barrel, it gave a clear site but also helped lift the flap up out of the way.
Unfortunately I can't help with a good clear shot of the mount, it always manages to be just out of focus or incomplete. The mount bolts to the inside of the tank and has a pivot point top & bottom to allow for some sweep of the gun.
The period black & white image is of an actual mount inside one of the Gaza Tanks.
Helen x
-- Edited by MK1 Nut on Tuesday 26th of January 2016 12:45:36 AM
