REME MUSEUM of TECHNOLOGY

 
Weapon No 192
Smith & Wesson Pistol Revolver .38 inch (Replica)

This revolver was presented to General Sir Brian Robertson, Bart GBE KCMG KCVO CB DSO MC on his visit to Israel in February 1951, when he was Commander in Chief of the British Middle East Land Forces. It was presented to him by Rav-Aloof Yigael Yadin, Chief of the General Staff, Israel Defence Forces.

 
Weapon No 213
Pistol Colt 'Premier' Rimfire

In 1875, Colt introduced a series of revolvers known as the New Line Pocket Models. This pistol, marked 'Premier', is one of that series. It has a calibre of .32 inch and is a five-shot, single action model. The calibre of this series ranged from .22 inch to .41 inch.

 
Weapon No 214
Pistol Revolver Percussion Double Action

A British revolver by Robert Adams, who was a partner in the London firm of Deane, Adams & Deane, which was the most serious rival of the Colt Revolvers. It is a double action weapon, pulling the trigger rotated the cylinder, cocked the hammer and then allowed it to fall. These revolvers were made in three calibers: .50 inch, .44 inch and .32 inch, the first two being the most popular. This weapon has a calibre of .44 inch. It was patented in 1851 and although it went into production, the advanced methods of mass production used by Colt won the day.

This revolver is of the solid frame type, that is where barrel and stock are of one piece, unlike Colt Revolvers of this period, which had hinged frames. It is interesting to note that in later years, Colt and other American manufacturers changed to the solid frame, while Britain turned to the hinged frame. When this revolver was adopted by the British Army, it was said to mark the conclusion of the great Colt/Adams' controversy of the early fifties.

 
Weapon No 215
Pistol Revolver Pin Fire

An 11 mm, smoothbore double and single action revolver. It is a development of the pin fire revolver designed by Lefaucheux, the famous Parisian gunsmith. These revolvers started off as single action but were later developed to double action. They revolvers were manufactured in many European countries, this one bearing Belgian proof marks.

 
Weapon No 218
Pistol Revolver .32 inch Webley Pocket Revolver

A six-shot, rimfire, single action revolver introduced about 1870. This is just one of the numerous models produced by Webley. He started his career by producing excellent handmade single action revolvers, some of them elaborately decorated. The British Government used Webley revolvers as standard or limited standard for 60 years. The Mk I was adopted in 1887 and the last of the standard Webley revolvers, the No 1 Mk VI was declared obsolete in 1947. This model is, of course, one of his very early productions.

 
Weapon No 219
Pistol Revolver Percussion .44 inch

A five-shot, double and single action revolver, by G H Daw, who described it as being 'the best, cheapest, most simple' and perfect weapon offered for sale. It was actually a very good pistol, being well made and handsomely finished. Its production required a large proportion of hand work, so was unsuitable for producing in great numbers. Although not much used as a military weapon, it was very popular as a self-defence arm.

 
Weapon No 220
Pistol Revolver .38 inch Pin Fire

A six-shot, double action rifled barrel revolver by Robert Adams from about 1870, manufactured by his own company. This is an improvement on his percussion pistol (Weapon No 214) when he was a partner of Deane, Adams & Deane.

 
Weapon No 222
British Thomas .450 inch Self-Extracting Revolver

Patented in 1869, this was the first English revolver to make any attempt at simultaneous extraction and self-ejection. It is so designed that by pressing a catch located forward of the trigger guard and giving a half turn to a bolt fixed on the underside of the barrel, the cylinder was drawn forward by a powerful camming action designed to loosen the spent cases in the chambers. This also released the barrel from the frame of the pistol, so that it could be thrust forward to the full extent of its travel, thus ejecting all empty cases from the cylinder.

Although clumsy in its action, this did allow the user to extract the five cartridges with a single motion, requiring no more effort than was necessary to eject a single spent case from the cylinder of an Adams or Tranter pistol of the same period. Before reloading, it was necessary to return the barrel and cylinder to their original position, so that fresh cartridges could be loaded through the loading gate on the right hand side of the breech.

 
Weapon No 223
Pistol Revolver .45 inch Colt

Colt's first heavy frame, .45 inch Calibre, double and single action revolver manufactured between the years 1872 to 1909. This is an army model. Many of this model were made on Government order for Cavalry use. These differed from the standard design in having a much larger trigger guard and a longer trigger to permit use with a gloved hand. With these variations, this arm has been known as the 'Alaskan' and the 'Philippine' models.

 
Weapon No 260
Pistol 7.65 mm (Welrod)

Known as the assassins' pistol, which is of the silent variety. It was carried by Special Service personnel. It was widely used by SOE operatives and Resistance fighters in the occupied countries during World War 2.

 
Weapon No 267
Pistol Revolver 10.35 mm (.41 inch) MOD 1889

One of the first Italian service revolvers produced. Manufactured by Glisenti at Brescia, original specimens such as this one were still being manufactured during the 1930s and were carried by the Italians in World War 2. At least sixty varieties of this revolver were made. These were made in small shops or on contract and the actual source of manufacture is often difficult to trace. Those bearing the Glisenti stamp are usually the best finished. The design is based on the Delvigne and Chamelot design having a solid frame with rod ejector that needs to be manually operated.

 
Weapon No 268
Pistol Revolver .476 inch Enfield Model 1882

A revolver for military use which was designed and produced at the Enfield Small Arms Factory in about 1880. Its particular feature was its mechanism for the extraction of the empty case after firing. It was generally considered to be a bad revolver, but was nevertheless adopted as the official pattern for the Army and the Navy. It was thought to be the first revolver to be a general issue to the rank and file of the Cavalry. There were two patterns, the Mk I of 1880 had a calibre of .422 inch and the Mk 2 of 1882 was .476 inch. This larger calibre was introduced because the .422 inch bullet had insufficient weight to stop a charging man at short range. This deficiency was so evident against the Afghan tribesman that most officers armed themselves with more effective private arms.

 
Weapon No 269
Pistol Revolver .455 inch No 1 Mk VI Webley

The British Government used Webley revolvers as standard or limited standard for 60 years. The original Mk I was adopted in 1887 and the last of the Webleys (this weapon) was declared obsolete in 1947, having been in service since 1915. The majority had been produced by Webley and Scott at Birmingham during World War 1. In 1921, Enfield Small Arms Factory took over the manufacture of these revolvers, but it remained known as the Webley Revolver for the remainder of its official career.

 
Weapon No 270
Pistol Revolver .455 inch Eley, Smith & Wesson

One of many large bore revolvers produced by Smith & Wesson. Its official model name is the Model .44 Hand Ejector (New Century), popularly known as The Triple Lock or Gold Seal Model. About 20,000 of these revolvers were manufactured between 1902 and 1915.

 
Weapon No 271
Pistol Revolver .45 inch (Pryse)

Commonly known as the Pryse's Army Revolver, it is a Webley made pistol patented by C Pryse in November 1876. It was a great favourite with Army Officers and has the distinction of being the first pistol to have a rebounding hammer (ie one in which the hammer, after striking the cap, rises far enough to be withdrawn from contact with it). It is sometimes called the 'Chinese Webley' due to the fact that the Chinese Government bought large quantities. It is said that the popularity of this pistol started Webleys, who were then emerging from the doldrums due to the success of their 'RIC' (Royal Irish Constabulary) revolver, on the quest for a really first class 'Break-down' self-ejector, which of course they eventually achieved. This particular pistol was sold by Henry of Edinburgh and London (Martini-Henry fame).

 
Weapon No 272
Pistol Revolver .45 inch Eley Colt

This American, large calibre, heavy duty holster arm was specially designed for military and constabularv organisations. It was in production from 1897 to 1943 and was known as the 'New Service' model. This model began the development of the modern Colt rebounding hammer.

 
Weapon No 273
Pistol Revolver .455 inch Mk IV Webley

This is the predecessor of Weapon No 269. There were two differences, this one having a 4 inch barrel compared to a 6 inch, and the designation was changed.

 
Weapon No 274
Pistol Revolver 10.35 mm Model 1889 (Glisenti)

Another version of Weapon No 267. Notable differences are shorter barrel, no trigger guard, folding trigger. Both the models are six-chambered, double and single action, of the Chamelot-Delvigne design.

 
Weapon No 275
Pistol Revolver 11 mm Model 1874

This French revolver, made in the St Etienne arsenal, was based on the Chamelot-Delvigne design. It was a common souvenir among US troops returning from Europe. Some of these models were modified to use the 8 mm cartridge, but as originally issued they were designed for use with a low pressure 11 mm black powder cartridge which was only made in France and should not be used with any other cartridge. The 1873 model was similar but had a smooth cylinder and was in polished metal. It was used by the cavalry.

 
Weapon No 276
Pistol Revolver 11 mm (British Bulldog)

In the 1880s, revolvers were produced based on the Webley designed pocket revolver known as 'The British Bulldog'. Originally these revolvers were of a large calibre of 9 to 11  mm. This was gradually reduced together with the weight and size of the weapon. This model was made in Belgium and carries the proof mark of the Belgian Government plant at Liege. The cylinder is chambered for 5 shots.

 
Weapon No 277
Pistol Revolver .38 inch Smith & Wesson (British)

This is one of Smith & Wesson's conventional swing out cylinder types. This is their Model 1917, of which they manufactured over 153,000. These were still in use by Military Police and security personnel during World War 2, but are no longer used in the United States armed forces or as a standard weapon in any army. This revolver is the same in operation and stripping procedure as the Smith & Wesson .45 inch Model 1917.

 
Weapon No 278
Pistol Revolver .38 inch Smith & Wesson (British Service)

Also known as the 38/200 K200, large quantities of these revolvers were supplied to Great Britain by the United States on the Lend-Lease Agreement during World War 2. This revolver is not chambered to accommodate the S&W special type cartridge, only the shorter and wider type cartridge, known in this country as the .380 inch Webley.

 
Weapon No 279
Pistol Revolver .38 inch Smith & Wesson (Regulation Police)

The United States have, and do use, various commercial pistols for specialised purposes. This Smith & Wesson model is one of the many weapons that has been issued for such purposes. Whilst identical in most respects to Weapons No 277 and 278, it does differ in the following respects. The barrel is only 4 inches long and the cylinder is only chambered to take 5 cartridges.

 
Weapon No 280
Pistol Revolver 8 mm Rast-Gasser Model 1898

These revolvers were originally patented by L Gasser in Vienna, early in the 1870s. The earliest model of this revolver was chambered for an 11.2 mm black powder cartridge and introduced in 1870. In the 1880s, a 9 mm version, also black powder, was introduced. This model 1898 of 8 mm calibre was used in World War 1 by the Austrians and large numbers were seized by the Italians at the end of the war. As a result, many of these revolvers saw service in World War 2 in the hands of Italian troops. It is chambered for eight cartridges and has a 4½ inch long barrel. It bears the stamp 'PATENT RAST & GASSER WIEN' on the forward, left hand side of the frame.

 
Weapon No 281
Pistol Revolver 8 mm Rast-Gasser Model 1898

The only difference between this and Weapon No 280 is the surface finish.

 
Weapon No 282
Pistol Revolver 8 mm Modele D'Ordonnance 1892

This French weapon is unlikely to be encountered in military use any more. This 1892 model was commonly called the Lebel or Model d'Ordnance and was the first swing out cylinder revolver adopted in Europe. This revolver was made in St Etienne in 1901.

 
Weapon No 283
Pistol Revolver 7.65 mm (Bulldog Type)

Another member of the 'Bulldog' family (Weapon No 276), smaller in calibre, weight and overall size, but the cylinder is chambered for six shots. This weapon carries the Belgian proof mark for rifled arms.

 
Weapon No 284
Pistol Revolver 7.65 mm (Prince Albert Bulldog)

Entirely different in design, apart from calibre, to Weapon No 283, but still a Bulldog type. It has a longer barrel with octagonal exterior, bead type foresight and no top barrel strap. Single action only, chambered for five shots, it has a fold-up trigger, no trigger guard and ivory type grips. It bears the Liege proof mark on the cylinder.

 
Weapon No 285
Pistol Revolver .22 inch Rimfire (Harrington & Richardson)

Under the name of H&R Premier, a standard type, hinged frame, pocket-type revolver was produced for some time. It was supplied in barrel lengths of 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 inches and the cylinder had 7 chambers. It has double and single action.

 
Weapon No 286
Pistol Revolver .38 inch (Pocket) Smith & Wesson Type

This is a Smith & Wesson type revolver produced in Belgium, that made its appearance in 1880. Its design is based on the Merwin & Hulbert revolver Model 1876, which was a six shot .44 inch calibre and manufactured by the Hopkins and Alien Manufacturing Co of Norwich, Connecticut. This Smith & Wesson was manufactured at Liege, is .38 inch calibre and has a five shot cylinder.

 
Weapon No 287
Pistol Revolver 7.65 mm (Bulldog Type)

Another member of the Bulldog family, which carries the nitro proof mark. It has a five shot cylinder and was made in Belgium.

 
Weapon No 288
Pistol Revolver 7.65 mm (Bulldog Type)

Minor but unimportant changes in design features from the previous model. It has a six shot cylinder and a shorter barrel with rounded exterior. It was also made in Belgium.

 
Weapon No 289
Pistol Revolver .32 inch (S&W) Harrington & Richardson

This Harrington and Richardson revolver is identical in most respects to Weapon No 285. It differs in calibre and length of barrel and is chambered for only five shots.

 
Weapons No 290 and 290B
Pistol Revolver .38 inch (S&W) 'Euskaro'

The first safety hammerless revolver, which is still considered the safest revolver of its type. It was introduced in 1887. Though the grip safety of the Smith & Wesson Hammerless has not been widely copied in other revolvers, it has been widely used in automatic pistols, shotguns and light machine guns. Besides its safety feature, this model has another advantage as an under-cover gun, it can be fired from a pocket in an emergency without risk of having the hammer catch, causing the action to jam. Also its ingenious action has a definite hesitation just before the hammer falls, so that the trigger can be drawn back quickly and held at this point until the revolver is correctly sighted. The final pull is almost the equivalent of single action fire. This model bears the name 'Euskaro', has a 4 inch barrel and a five chamber cylinder.

 
Weapon No 290A
Pistol .32 inch Ivor Johnson (Safety Revolver)

There are various models of the hinged frame types manufactured by this Company and chambered for the S&W .32 inch cartridges. All models have five chambered cylinders and they differ only in minor details. Barrel lengths may be 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 inches and the finish and style of grips also vary. Conventional hammer and hammerless are manufactured in these low priced pocket revolvers. The outstanding feature of these arms, however, is the famous 'Hammer-the-Hammer' safety. This is a slogan developed from the fact that when the hammer is at rest, even striking it with a nail driving hammer cannot possibly fire a cartridge.

 
Weapon No 291
Pistol Revolver .38 inch No 2 Mk I

Prior to the introduction of the 'Enfield' pistol revolver, British revolvers were produced by Webley and Scott. This relationship broke up in 1926 when the No 2 Mk I Enfield Pistol was in prototype form. This pistol has many of the best features of the Webley .455 inch Mk VI and in addition, has a movable firing pin mounted on the hammer. This revolver was produced from 1927 to 1938 and was officially adopted on 2nd June 1932. It has a double and single action.

 
Weapon No 292
Pistol Revolver .38 inch No 2 Mk I*

In June 1938, the first modification to Weapon No 291 was carried out and the revolver was re-designated the No 2 Mk I*. The modification consisted of the removal of the 'comb' and the single action cocking bent from the hammer, which means that this revolver is double action only. Since this requires lifting of the hammer, rotation of the cylinder and firing by pulling of the trigger, the trigger pull is very heavy. As a result, this revolver is of very limited accurate range.

 
Weapon No 293
Pistol Revolver .455 inch No 1 Mk VI

Data as for Weapon No 269.

 
Weapon No 294
Pistol Revolver .455 inch No 1 Mk VI

Data as for Weapons No 269 and 293, with the exception that this model is fitted with a barrel sleeve and cylinder for firing .22 inch cartridges.

 
Weapon No 352
Pistol Revolver .38 inch No 2 Mk I

The detail is the same as for Weapon No 292.

 
Weapon No 440
Remington .44 inch Single Action Pistol (Replica)

The original of this replica made in Italy was considered second only to the Colt during the American Civil War.

 
Weapon No 454
Colt Revolver New Service .455 inch

Colt's most successful model made in 4 different calibres, .45, .44, .44-40 and .38-40 inch. Originally issued to the Canadian Mounted Police, it was the service arm of the American Army during both World Wars and was known as the Model 1917.

 
Weapon No 457
Webley Revolver Mk 3 .38 inch

Adopted from the Webley .455 revolver in the early 1900s and referred to as the Commercial .38 inch Webley.

 
Weapon No 458
Webley Revolver Mk 5 .45 inch

A modified model of the original Mk I WG (Webley Government) revolver adopted in 1887. It is identical to the Mark 4 except for the size of the cylinder which has a larger diameter and is rounded on the rear edge. The body is also modified to suit the cylinder. First produced in December 1913.

 
Weapon No 460
Pistol Revolver Webley Mk 2 .45 inch

Another revolver in the Webley range (Marks I to VI). Almost identical to Weapon No 273 and Weapon No 458. This model differed from the Mark I in the following respects:

• A hardened steel plate was used on the breech to lessen erosion

• The hammer was strengthened

• Tthe grip was of a more rounded shape

• Slight changes were made to the extractor components

• The hammer catch spring was spiral instead of 'V' shaped

• The stirrup-lock thumb pieces were smaller

It was first produced in October 1894.

 
Weapon No 516
Pistol Revolver .38 No 2 Mk I

After the end of World War 1, the British Army decided that the existing revolver, the Webley & Scott Mk VI (Weapon No 269), was of too large a calibre. It had been designed principally to stop charging tribesmen. There were doubts that its soft lead bullets were acceptable in civilised warfare, if such a thing exists. The Royal Small Arms factory at Enfield therefore set out to design a new revolver in .38 in calibre, which was generally agreed to be the minimum size with sufficient stopping power.

The result was the No 2, which was started as a design project in 1926/27. In June 1932, the No 2 Mk I was produced, providing the pistol with a hammer mechanism for single or double action. In June 1938, the No 2 Mk I* was introduced, in which the hammer comb and bent were removed to allow double action firing only. Other minor differences were included until the Pistol Revolver No 2 Mk I** was introduced in July 1942.

 
Weapons No 594 and 595
Pistol Revolver .38

Manufactured in the United Kingdom.

 
Weapon No 596
Pistol Revolver SBP .38

No details.

Serial Number - 02, Museum Number - E:02.0157.03

 
Weapon No 611
Pistol Revolver Bulldog

Manufactured in the Belgium. See also Weapon No 276.

 
Weapon No E:01.0255
Webley Copy

No details.

No markings or serial number, Museum Number - E:01.0255