German Machine Guns

I was surprized to learn...while watch a history ch program that the germans had to pay a royalty to the British for Every MG they produced. It seems Maxum had a British patent.

That is very interesting.........I have often wondered if these types of royalties were ever honoured at the time of war?........seems odd if they were!


Ian

[Doc]

On a similar issue, the US did pay a royalty to Mauser for every Springfield rifle they produced, which used Mauser patents. I understand that the payments were made, but put into a trust account for payment after the war. Doc

[R Pope]

Actually, the royalties would go to Hiram Maxim's company, not "The British", unless they were held by the gov't.

[Barrett]

Not only did the US Gummint pay royalties on the 03 Springfield (essentially a Mauser design) but after the shootin' match, I believe USG paid a royalty on most of the '06 ammo made to date because it was so similar to the German spitzer bullet. Can't find the sources, but I believe both to be true.

Could be. And yes the royalties were paid/should have been paid to maxim, thru the British gov't. Image if the Germans paid royalties on the ammo.