REME MUSEUM of TECHNOLOGY

THE WEAPONS COLLECTION

The Stirling Collection

In September 1999, the Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum's weapons collection was transferred to the REME Museum of Technology. As a result of changes in regulations for the storage of licensed weapons, the Stirling Smith Gallery could no longer meet safe storage requirements. Without making substantial changes to storage facilities, they would have been forced to destroy the weapons collection. Alerted by a notice in the Museums Journal to the Stirling Smith Gallery's plight, the REME Museum of Technology took responsibility for the 'Stirling Collection', incorporating it into the existing small arms collection, which is housed in a secure armoury.

Please note that the weapons listed are not on display at the Museum

Rifle - Belgian Warnant Garden Gun

Garden Gun manufactured in Belgium. A 6 mm, percussion lock mechanism with a Warnant action. It has a 24 inch hexagonal barrel, which fires shot only. The Museum's example is missing the trigger guard. (Donated by the Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum, Accession No 1999.4272)

Rifle - Mauser 7 mm Bolt Action, Boer War

A 7 mm Mauser bolt action rifle made under licence at Deutsche Waffen und Munitions Fabrick (DWM). This example was made for the Boers in Berlin circa 1870-90. It was captured circa 1900 in the Orange Free State by Major Crum of the 60th Rifles. (Donated by the Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum, Accession No 1999.4272.01)

Shotgun - Double Barrel 12 Bore Boxlock, circa 1900

Double Barrelled 12 bore shotgun with a hammerless boxlock. Manufactured by Maloch Michie and Crockart circa 1900. The barrel has been repaired. (Donated by the Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum, Accession No 1999.4272.02)

Shotgun - Double Barrel, Side by Side, circa 1890

Double barrelled side by side shotgun. The barrel has been slightly reduced and the stock repaired. The weapon is stamped D CROCKART AND CO and was possibly manufactured in Birmingham circa 1890. (Donated by the Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum, Accession No 1999.4272.03)

Shotgun - "Live Pigeon Gun"

A single barrel shot gun from circa 1870. Also known as a live pigeon gun. (Donated by the Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum, Accession No 1999.4272.04)

Pistol - Remington Rider, Vest Pocket Flobert 6 mm

A 6 mm percussion rimfire Remington Rider patent vest pocket single shot pistol. This weapon, made in USA circa 1870-90, has a Flobert action and carved stock. (Donated by the Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum, Accession No 1999.4272.05)

Revolver - Webley 450 Service

A Webley .455 inch Service revolver, six chambers and centre fire. This weapon shares similarities with the Irish Constabulary weapon, but has a lanyard ring and a simple rod ejector mounted in the cylinder arbor. It was manufactured in England during the late 19th century. (Donated by the Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum, Accession No 1999.4272.06)

Revolver - Whitneyville Armoury .22 Short Rimfire

A .22 inch short rimfire revolver. This weapon has an octagonal barrel and single action spur trigger. It has seven chambers and is marked WHITNEY VILLE ARMORY CT US 30019. It was manufactured in Connecticut USA before 1888. (Donated by the Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum, Accession No 1999.4272.07)

Pistol - Belgian Long Rimfire Flobert Saloon

A .22 inch long rimfire (Saloon) pistol with a true Flobert action and removable octagonal steel barrel. The weapon has engraved ferns on the lockplate (see detail) and is marked LEG K. It was probably manufactured in Liege, Belgium. (Donated by the Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum, Accession No 1999.4272.08)

Revolver - French/Belgian 0.2500 Ladies Purse

A ladies purse revolver with five chambers and a folding trigger. Manufactured circa 1890, of French/Belgium origin. (Donated by the Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum, Accession No 1999.4272.09)

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Page produced by Peter Eldred - Last updated 3 August 2004