INERT DEACTIVATED. This is an original and rare unfired 57mm (57x224R) M1888 Maxim-Nordenfelt Guns & Ammunition Company cannon was a quick firing (QF) light gun. In 1888, the British Nordenfelt company, established in France, proposed a small calibre quick firing gun directly inherited from the revolver gun concept. Belgium quickly showed its interest in it for the close defence of its new forts being built by the General Brialmont. A total of 185 of these guns were built and incorporated in different roles and versions. This weapon also armed fishing ships during WW1 and was largely used by Germans who captured numerous guns and ammunition in Belgium fortresses and renamed them belg 5,7cm K to use them as infantry guns under shielded cupola or on pivot, in naval defence and later in their famous giant tanks A7V. The gun was also used on armed fishing boats or coastal defence. The ammunition was a fixed round and was available as a high explosive or cannister round. This is a nose fuzed high explosive round with a brass Nordenfelt nose impact fuze. The projectile is fitted with an unfired copper driving band with 3 grooves in it. the projectile is stamped with a monogram of W in a circle. The brass cartridge case is headstamped with a simple N (Nordenfelt). The cartridge case has three stab crimps near the mouth and is fitted with a push in brass primer with a copper cap. The rare round is in excellent condition and the price includes U.K. delivery. No licence is required to possess inert rounds in the UK if retained as a part of a collection or display. Sn 23309