Webley, Enfield?????

[machineman98]

What is this revolver?
Missing grips and front site blade.
Looks like a crown and crossed sabers if you can see it in the picture. Appears to be a 38 cal. A 38 S&W fits in the cylinder.
Any info would be appreciated.

 

[Tim Slater]

It's an Enfield no 2 mk 1 (and some stars). Mechanically it's similar to the Webley, but not made by Webley. I believe Webley sued, and were awarded minor damages. The calibre is .380 revolver, a British version of .38 S&W. The original military loading was a 200gr LRN bullet, but was changed pre-war to a 173gr fmj.

The crown and swords mark is a civilian commercial proof; Birmingham I think. Military proofs aren't valid for civilian use, so when it left military service it would have been proofed prior to sale.

Depending on the age, it may have been made ar Enfield or elsewhere; demand rose rather sharply after 1939!

 

[M-61]

demand rose rather sharply after 1939!

You bet! Something that should be kept in mind in this country.
“Hunters send your rifles to Britain “
Not hard to see how you can suddenly find yourself on the short end of the stick.

 

[machineman98]

It's an Enfield no 2 mk 1 (and some stars). Mechanically it's similar to the Webley, but not made by Webley. I believe Webley sued, and were awarded minor damages. The calibre is .380 revolver, a British version of .38 S&W. The original military loading was a 200gr LRN bullet, but was changed pre-war to a 173gr fmj.

The crown and swords mark is a civilian commercial proof; Birmingham I think. Military proofs aren't valid dor civilian use, si when it left military service it would have been proofed prior to sale.

Depending on the age, it may have been made ar Enfield or elsewhere; demand rose rather sharply after 1939!

Thank you for the information.

 

[Tim Slater]

You bet! Something that should be kept in mind in this country.
“Hunters send your rifles to Britain “
Not hard to see how you can suddenly find yourself on the short end of the stick.

Britain had started to rearm in the mid-'30s, but pistols were not top priority, and no-one expected war to start in 1939.

 

[FNSafari]

Britain had started to rearm in the mid-'30s, but pistols were not top priority, and no-one expected war to start in 1939.

If you look at British aviation development activity from the mid 1930's on you will see that many expected it, although saying start by 1939 is a pretty safe statement I guess.

 

[FNSafari]

I have a RAF Mk2 and its a delight to shoot. You should be able to cobble together parts over time. Mine has the hammer spur intact.

 

[M-61]

Britain had started to rearm in the mid-'30s, but pistols were not top priority, and no-one expected war to start in 1939.

Neville Chamberlain had made 3 trips to Germany in 1938. He has already agreed to let the Sudetenland to Hitler. By 1936 Hitler had entered the Rhineland. So by the mid 1930's Britain was aware war was coming. And with Edward VIII abdication the Germans knew they had a good friend in him.
I do remember seeing old posters hanging in a shop with Britain asking for American hunting weapons.
Everyone expected a war by 1939. And they got it.

 

[Tim Slater]

Neville Chamberlain had made 3 trips to Germany in 1938. He has already agreed to let the Sudetenland to Hitler. By 1936 Hitler had entered the Rhineland. So by the mid 1930's Britain was aware war was coming. And with Edward VIII abdication the Germans knew they had a good friend in him.
I do remember seeing old posters hanging in a shop with Britain asking for American hunting weapons.
Everyone expected a war by 1939. And they got it.

War was expected, but not in 1939. The RN expected the early-mid 1940s from memory.

 

[M-61]

War was expected, but not in 1939. The RN expected the early-mid 1940s from memory.

Have a pleasant afternoon