M1917A1 Water Can

Gift of Michael Tolle, 2014.372.001

The M1917A1 relied on liquid coolant, usually water, to prevent the weapon from overheating. As water was heated by the barrel and turned to steam, a hose running from the barrel jacket to the can, collected the steam and the steam condensed back into water. The water can and hose also served to prevent escaping steam from giving the gun's position away.