Vickers-Maxim Machine Gun

The world''s first self-powered machine gun, the Maxim gun became a potent symbol of Victorian colonialism in the closing years of the 19th century. It was the brainchild of Sir Hiram Maxim, the American-born firearms inventor who founded the company bearing his name with financing from Albert Vickers, who became the company''s chairman; Maxim''s company was absorbed by Vickers, Sons and Company i...