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Smith gun used by the Isle of Man Home Guard

Date made: c.1941

Description: This weapon belonged to the Isle of Man Home Guard, and was used by them in training during the Second World War.

It consists of a lightweight steel gun with a 3 inch smoothbore barrel,and a shield, mounted upon two solid wheels with rubber tyres. In use, it would have been turned on its side so that one wheel formed the base. It was designed to be towed by a small private car.

The Smith Gun was developed privately as an anti tank weapon for use in case of a German invasion. It was rejected by the Regular army but adopted by the Home Guard, in spite of its reputation as being a danger to its crew. Today few survive, and this example from the Isle of Man Home Guard is a rarity.

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Measurements: overall: 137 cm x 160 cm x 125 cm

Materials: steel

Object name: field gun

Collection: Social History Collection

ID Number: 1954-7004

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