Manville Gas Gun Production and Serial Numbers

[HANS]

I've never seen production numbers for the Manville Gas Guns in 12-gauge and 25mm. I found serial numbers for the latter between No.787 and No.2017, which suggests a pretty substantial production for a weapon that nobody seems to have used (except for two National Guards and a couple police departments, as far as I can tell). I've even seen No.33322, but I'm assuming that's a mistake or some other special case. I haven't seen a single number for a 12-gauge gun.

So what gives? Does anyone have more information? Failing that, does anyone have additional serial numbers that would allow us to form an opinion as to likely production totals? Many thanks!

 

Cheers

 

HANS

[dalbert]

I have seen a single serial number for a 12-gauge model.  Serial number 1.

Manville production records were destroyed, from what I researched.

Here is an article I wrote on the subject.

https://smallarmsreview.com/manville-law-enforcement-gas-guns/

David

 

[HANS]

Thanks David, I've read that of course. I've also read the accounts in Swearengen's THE WORLD'S FIGHTING SHOTGUNS and TEAR GAS MUNITIONS. Unfortunately, none of these accounts deal with production figures or serial numbers. As I said, the serial numbers I've seen so far suggest a much more substantial production than I thought, but there could be other explanations -- for example, the serials could include those of the M512 revolvers or some such.

 

Cheers

 

HANS

[inertord]

FWIW my Manville 25mm Second Generation is Serial # M831 

[dalbert]

I just read my 2008 SAR Manville article again for the first time in probably 15 years.  I have to say I’m still happy with what I wrote, and it served to refresh my memory on the subject.

David

[HANS]

17 hours ago, inertord said:

FWIW my Manville 25mm Second Generation is Serial # M831 

 

Thanks, another one for the list!

 

Cheers

 

HANS