Solving Britain's First World War revolver shortage. With firearms & weapon expert Jonathan Ferguson

Published on June 7, 2023
Duration: 15:29

This video by Jonathan Ferguson of the Royal Armouries details the Spanish-made revolvers adopted by Britain during WWI as the 'Old Pattern' (OP) revolver to address a critical shortage. These revolvers, primarily copies of the Smith & Wesson top-break design, were procured from three Spanish manufacturers: Garate Compañía, Trocaola Aranzabal, and Obeyar. The video highlights the differences in grip shape and markings between these manufacturers, the significance of the 'sealed pattern' system for quality control, and the reasons for their adoption, including the need for a .455 caliber sidearm compatible with existing ammunition stocks.

Quick Summary

The 'Old Pattern' (OP) revolver was a Spanish-made firearm, largely a copy of the Smith & Wesson top-break design, adopted by Britain in 1915 to address a severe shortage of revolvers for its expanding WWI forces. Approximately 30,000 were ordered from manufacturers like Garate Compañía, Trocaola Aranzabal, and Obeyar, chambered in .455 caliber to match existing ammunition stocks.

Chapters

  1. 00:03Introduction: Spanish Copies of S&W
  2. 00:16Identifying the Spanish Copy
  3. 01:18Historical Relevance & Sealed Patterns
  4. 02:35Key Differences: Grip & Markings
  5. 03:50The 'Old Pattern' (OP) Revolver
  6. 04:16Procurement Details: 30,000 Ordered
  7. 04:37Manufacturer Markings: Garate Compañía
  8. 05:06War Department Marks vs. Civilian Proofs
  9. 05:32Military Markings Explained
  10. 06:30The .455 Caliber and Military Issue
  11. 06:39Why the Shortage? WWI Context
  12. 07:01Substitute Standard: Interchangable Issue
  13. 07:39Three Manufacturers: Garate, Trocaola, Obeyar
  14. 07:43Garate Anatua Example
  15. 08:46Trocaola Aranzabal Example
  16. 09:12Obeyar (Third Manufacturer)
  17. 09:32Variances in Manufacturing
  18. 10:41Illustrating Manufacturing Differences
  19. 11:58Comparing Two Garate Examples
  20. 12:06Other Substitute Revolvers Purchased
  21. 12:42Officer's vs. Other Ranks' Sidearms
  22. 13:10No Sealed Pattern for Obeyar
  23. 13:41Rejections and Civilian Market
  24. 13:51Service History and Footnote Status
  25. 14:30Logistics and Supply in Difficult Times
  26. 14:51Conclusion & Channel Outro

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the 'Old Pattern' revolver and why was it adopted by Britain?

The 'Old Pattern' (OP) revolver was a designation for Spanish-made revolvers, primarily copies of the Smith & Wesson top-break design, adopted by Britain in 1915. This procurement was a direct response to a critical shortage of domestic revolvers needed for the large influx of soldiers during World War I.

Which Spanish manufacturers produced the 'Old Pattern' revolvers?

The 'Old Pattern' revolvers were produced by three main Spanish manufacturers based in Eibar: Garate Compañía, Trocaola Aranzabal, and Obeyar. These companies were contracted to produce a total of 30,000 units to help meet British military demand.

What were the key differences between the Spanish 'Old Pattern' revolvers and original Smith & Wesson models?

Key differences included the grip design, with some Spanish copies featuring grip panels that stopped short of the full bird's head shape, and distinct manufacturer markings or monograms instead of the original Smith & Wesson logo. Military-issued examples also bore specific British War Department marks.

What caliber were the 'Old Pattern' revolvers and why was this important?

The 'Old Pattern' revolvers were chambered in .455 caliber. This was crucial for British military logistics as it allowed them to utilize existing stocks of .455 ammunition and maintain a consistent manual of arms and drills for soldiers.

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