Rare WW1 Webley And Scott Flare Pistol. Circa 1918.

A superb 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 pistol was upgraded to III* during the interwar period, when it was still in service, and was probably still in use during WWII.

The 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 lock work. Although the Mark III remained in production through the end of World War I, it had in fact been superseded by the Number 1 and Number 2 signal pistols which were manufactured from steel instead of brass.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 & Harrison and Webley & Scott had military contracts.

This particular Mark III* flare pistol was produced by Webley & Scott, and was upgraded with the flared muzzle attachment.  This addition was to protect the operator's hands from burns when loading. The flare pistol is clearly marked with the (WINGED BULLET) / W & S trademark of the firm on the right side of the frame. The frame is also marked with the serial number 136209 forward of the trademark. The left side of the frame is marked WEBLEY & SCOTT LTD / LONDON & BIRMINGHAM. The frame and barrel are both marked with British Ordnance Department proof and inspection marks.

The firm of Webley & Scott was started by Philip Webley in 1838 in Birmingham. In 1859 the firm became P Webley & Son and in 1877 absorbed the Birmingham gunmaking firm of Tipping & Lawden. In 1897 they took over the firms of both W C Scott & Son and Richard Ellis & Son and the firm was renamed the Webley & Scott Revolver & 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.

The flare pistol is in very good, used condition. The brass frame components have a nice, used look, with some mustard patina around the muzzle. The steel components show slight pitting and are fully functional.. The action of the pistol functions well. 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 hammer can be cocked and dry fired. The flare pistol retains the original iron lanyard ring and swivel in the brass butt. The walnut grips are in good condition.

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