2-798-476 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Novel experiments in warfare - non-recoil gun, 1844. Display of explosives in the grounds of Mulgrave House, Fulham [in west London]: '...the implement which excited the most attention was a cannon upon the principle of non-recoil, which was fired several times with a strong charge of powder, without any recoil, or certainly not more than a quarter of an inch. The Society [of Practical Science, and Private Military School of a New and Noble Science of Warfare] state that the principle is applicable to guns of any calibre. A telescope is attached, which they say enables the gunner to hit the smallest mark with unerring precision...the inventor (the Duke of Normandy, understood to be at the head of the Society) took the gun from the carriage, held it in his hands, and fired it, as did another gentleman present, with perfect safety, and without feeling the least effect from the recoil'. From "Illustrated London News", 1844, Vol V.