The Hotchkiss magazine gun belongs to the history of nineteenth-century repeating rifles. Hiscox includes it in his mechanical reference, while museum collections document Winchester-Hotchkiss rifles of the period. This page provides historical context and collection references.
Historical reference
This article covers historical identification and museum records. It does not provide a firing-performance calculator, operating instructions or a functional weapon simulation.
The historical name
Hiscox uses the heading “Hotchkiss Magazine Gun” in his collection of mechanical illustrations. Museum records also use “Winchester-Hotchkiss” for rifles associated with Benjamin B. Hotchkiss and Winchester.
The name Hotchkiss appears on several distinct historical firearms. A museum accession record and specific model name provide a clearer identity than the maker’s name alone.
In museum collections
Springfield Armory National Historic Site includes Winchester-Hotchkiss rifle SPAR4174 in its display of magazine-loaded weapons. The National Park Service dates that example to 1878–1881.
The Smithsonian also catalogs a Winchester-Hotchkiss Model 1878 Navy Musket. These collection records place the name in a nineteenth-century context.
Dates and identification
Historical dates describe a particular object or model. They should not be assumed to apply to every firearm bearing the Hotchkiss name. Collection identifiers help readers locate the exact object discussed.
A collection example
The National Park Service record for SPAR4174 identifies a Winchester-Hotchkiss rifle. It credits Benjamin B. Hotchkiss with the design and describes Winchester and Springfield Armory’s roles in its production history.
Reading historical references
A period engineering illustration and a modern museum catalog serve different purposes. Hiscox provides historical context; museum records associate names and dates with individual surviving objects. Neither should be treated as an assessment of an object’s present condition.
Frequently asked questions
What does this page cover?
The historical name and museum records associated with the Hotchkiss magazine rifle.
Where can I find a museum example?
Springfield Armory National Historic Site identifies Winchester-Hotchkiss rifle SPAR4174. The Smithsonian catalogs a Winchester-Hotchkiss Model 1878 Navy Musket.
Does the Hotchkiss name identify one model?
No. The name appears on distinct historical firearms, so a specific model and collection record are needed to identify an object.
Historical and museum references
- Gardner D. Hiscox, Mechanical Movements, Powers, Devices and Appliances: historical entry titled Hotchkiss Magazine Gun.
- National Park Service, Springfield Armory: Magazine Loaded Weapons: collection context for SPAR4174.
- Smithsonian: Winchester-Hotchkiss Model 1878 Navy Musket: museum catalog record.
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