Varnum Continentals

Preserving and Sharing Rhode Island Military History to Inpire and Educate the Public.

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You are here: Home / Museum Exhibits / [FEATURED EXHIBIT] The M3A1 “grease gun”

[FEATURED EXHIBIT] The M3A1 “grease gun”

June 17, 2017 By James Mitchell Varnum

M3A1 "grease gun" on display.
M3A1 “grease gun” on display.

An iconic weapon from World War II is now on display at the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum: the M3A1 “grease gun”.

Costing only $20 to produce, the M3A1 was created to replace the much more expensive and reportedly less reliable Thompson submachine gun. Looking a little too much like an auto mechanic’s tool, many soldiers were hesitant to use it. But it proved very reliable and handy in tight spaces (like tanks and armored vehicles).

Designed by George Hyde of General Motors, production was done by GM’s Guide Lamp division in Indiana. Our example was originally issued to the U.S. Navy and used at Quonset Point. It is on loan from the East Greenwich Police Department.

M3A1 "grease gun" on display.
M3A1 “grease gun” on display.
M3A1 "grease gun" on display.
M3A1 “grease gun” on display.
M3A1 "grease gun" on display.
M3A1 “grease gun” on display.
M3A1 "grease gun" on display.
M3A1 “grease gun” on display.

Join the Varnum Continentals for $50!

At only $50 per person annually, membership keeps you in the Varnum loop and supports our efforts to preserve U.S. history and educate the public. Members get a monthly newsletter and can also attend our monthly dinner programs that feature authoritative and engaging speakers on historic and military topics. CLICK HERE TO JOIN NOW!



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Filed Under: Museum Exhibits, Varnum Memorial Armory Tagged With: gun, museum exhibit, World War II

[FEATURED EXHIBIT] Unpacking the U.S. Civil War Bull Run Cannon

September 19, 2023 By James Mitchell Varnum

It took some work at the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum, but the Bull Run cannon’s gun tube is finally free of packed trash. We tried compressed air and plumbing augers, but what worked (with a lot of effort) was an American Civil War-period artillery worm! An unconventional use of an historic artifact, perhaps, but it got the job done.

About the Varnum Continentals

The Varnum Continentals are committed to the preservation of the historic heritage of our community, our state, and our nation. Please take a virtual tour of our museums to learn more about our mission to encourage patriotism. You can participate with us through active membership and/or philanthropic support in our non-profit organization. Donations are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law. Museum tours are welcomed and our facilities may be rented for suitable events.

Our Mission

The Varnum Continentals are committed to encourage patriotism through the Varnum Armory Museum, the Continental Militia, and the James Mitchell Varnum House and thus to preserve, support, and communicate the military history of our community, our state, and our nation.

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