Webley Mk IV Revolver from Titanic's White Star Line, with firearms expert Jonathan Ferguson

Published on May 22, 2024
Duration: 14:19

This video examines a rare Webley Mk IV revolver with White Star Line markings, offering insights into its historical context and potential service. Expert Jonathan Ferguson details the Webley Mk IV's lineage, its .455 caliber, and the significance of its nickel-plated finish for maritime use. The discussion highlights the revolver's connection to the White Star Line, its likely role as ship's armament for order maintenance, and its potential service on liners like the RMS Olympic, while clarifying it was not on the Titanic.

Quick Summary

A rare Webley Mk IV revolver, identified as belonging to the White Star Line, is examined by firearms expert Jonathan Ferguson. While unlikely to have been on the Titanic, its nickel-plated finish and markings suggest service on other ocean liners like the RMS Olympic, where such revolvers were used for maintaining order.

Chapters

  1. 00:03Introduction: Special Webley Mk IV Revolver
  2. 00:20Significance: White Star Line Marking
  3. 00:41White Star Line & Titanic Connection
  4. 01:15Webley Mark Series History
  5. 01:27Mark I Introduction (1887)
  6. 01:50Mark II, III, and IV Differences
  7. 02:31Barrel Lengths: 4-inch vs 6-inch
  8. 02:56Backstrap Design Comparison
  9. 03:11Retailer: W. Richards of Liverpool
  10. 03:50Liverpool Connection & White Star Line HQ
  11. 04:07Titanic Connection: Unlikely Onboard
  12. 05:12Potential Service on RMS Olympic
  13. 05:36Other Ocean Liner Possibilities
  14. 05:52Nickel Plate Finish & Wear
  15. 06:43Webley Revolvers as Ship's Armament
  16. 07:12Second Officer Looler's Testimony
  17. 08:36Were Firearms Fired During Sinking?
  18. 09:09Fifth Officer Low's Browning Automatic
  19. 09:55Men and the 'Women and Children First' Protocol
  20. 11:101997 Titanic Movie Depiction
  21. 12:04Purpose of Ship's Firearms
  22. 12:21Artifact Significance
  23. 13:33Hope for RMS Olympic Service
  24. 13:37Conclusion & Call to Action

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the Webley Mk IV revolver featured in the Royal Armouries video?

The Webley Mk IV revolver is significant because this particular example belonged to the White Star Line, the company that operated the Titanic. It features a nickel-plated finish, common for maritime use, and its markings connect it to historical ocean liners.

Was the Webley Mk IV revolver from the video actually on the Titanic?

It is highly unlikely this specific Webley Mk IV revolver was on the Titanic. All weapons from the Titanic are believed to have sunk with the ship. This revolver likely served on other White Star Line vessels, such as the RMS Olympic, which had a long service life.

What was the purpose of Webley revolvers on White Star Line ships?

Webley revolvers were kept on White Star Line ships as armament for maintaining order. They were typically stored in the First Officer's cabin and issued to senior officers during emergencies to manage passengers or potential threats.

What caliber is the Webley Mk IV revolver and what are its historical variants?

The Webley Mk IV revolver is chambered in .455 caliber. It is the fourth iteration of the Mark I, which was introduced in 1887. Other variants include the Mark II, Mark III, and the later Mark VI, which was a definitive World War I variant.

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