{"product_id":"original-british-wwi-1918-dated-mkiii-webley-scott-brass-flare-signal-pistol-matching-serial-96715","title":"Original British WWI 1918 Dated MkIII* Webley \u0026 Scott Brass Flare Signal Pistol - Matching Serial 96715","description":"\u003cp\u003eOriginal Item: Only one available. This is a very nice Great War-produced example of the English military Mark III* flare pistol, as issued and used during the last part of World War I. This particular pistol was upgraded to III* during the interwar period, when it was still in service, and was probably still in use during WWII. \u003cstrong\u003eNot Available for Export.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Mark III signal pistol was adopted in 1911, as an improved version of the earlier Mark II pistol, which had been adopted in 1905. Like the previous Mk II pistol, it was a brass flare gun with a tilt-down, break open loading mechanism and a single action lockwork. Although the Mark III remained in production through the end of World War I, it had in fact been superseded by the Number 1 and Number 2 signal pistols which were manufactured from steel instead of brass. These patterns were adopted in 1915 and utilized many of the same parts as the Webley Mark VI service revolver. During the production of the Mk III signal pistol, at least five companies including WW Greener, Wolseley (Sheep Shearing Co.), Chubb (very rare – only 500 contracted for), Cogswell \u0026amp; Harrison and Webley \u0026amp; Scott.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis particular Mark III* signal pistol was produced by\u003cstrong\u003e Webley \u0026amp; Scott \u003c\/strong\u003efor the British military, and was upgraded with the flared muzzle attachment, which is why it has the\u003cbr\u003estar stamped next to the mark number.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe flare pistol is clearly marked with the\u003cstrong\u003e (WINGED BULLET) \/ W \u0026amp; S\u003c\/strong\u003e trademark of the firm on the right side of the frame. The frame is also marked with the serial number \u003cstrong\u003e96715 \u003c\/strong\u003eforward of the trademark. This number is also seen on the bottom of the barrel when the pistol is open for reloading. The ejector is marked \u003cstrong\u003e6715\u003c\/strong\u003e, so this part is original to the pistol.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe left side of the frame is marked in three lines: \u003cstrong\u003eWEBLEY \u0026amp; SCOTT LTD \/ LONDON \u0026amp; BIRMINGHAM \/ III *.,\u003c\/strong\u003e indicating the manufacturer and version of the pistol. The frame and barrel are both marked with British Ordnance Department proof and inspection marks, including the Broad Arrow of the Ordnance Department and the number \u003cstrong\u003e18 \u003c\/strong\u003eindicating inspection and acceptance in 1918.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe firm of Webley \u0026amp; Scott was started by Philip Webley in 1838 in Birmingham. In 1859 the firm became P Webley \u0026amp; Son and in 1877 absorbed the Birmingham gunmaking firm of Tipping \u0026amp; Lawden. In 1897 they took over the firms of both W C Scott \u0026amp; Son and Richard Ellis \u0026amp; Son and the firm was renamed the Webley \u0026amp; Scott Revolver \u0026amp; Arms Co LTD. Philip Webley received a number of British gun making patents during his career the company that bore his name became one of the premier revolver makers in the United Kingdom as well as a major supplier to the British Ordnance Department.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe signal pistol is in good, used condition. All of the markings on the frame and barrel remain mostly crisp and clear. The brass frame components have a nice used look, but the wooden grips have pieces broken off at the same end on both sides as shown.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe action of the pistol functions great, though it is a bit stiff. The breech still closes tightly and securely and the shell extractor functions as it should when the pistol is broken open. The single action lock work is mechanically excellent and the rebounding hammer functions correctly as well. The flare pistol retains the original iron lanyard ring and swivel in the brass butt. The walnut grips are in good condition, and they show wear, chips and dents as expected from a pistol this age.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOverall this is really fantastic looking example of a really fine Mark III* signal pistol by the famous Webley \u0026amp; Scott company. This would be a fantastic addition to your collection of World War I militaria or of military flare pistols.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c!----\u003e","brand":"Original Items","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":41948532277317,"sku":"ONSV24WSJ110","price":450.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1524\/1342\/files\/ONSV24WSJ110__01.jpg?v=1726295994","url":"https:\/\/www.ima-usa.com\/products\/original-british-wwi-1918-dated-mkiii-webley-scott-brass-flare-signal-pistol-matching-serial-96715","provider":"International Military Antiques","version":"1.0","type":"link"}