Why are there two different Webley Mark IV revolvers? With firearms expert Jonathan Ferguson.

Published on August 4, 2021
Duration: 8:23

Jonathan Ferguson, Keeper of Firearms & Artillery at the Royal Armouries, clarifies the confusion surrounding two distinct Webley Mark IV revolvers. He explains that the 'Mark IV' designation was applied to different series of revolvers, leading to historical ambiguity. The video details the .455 caliber service revolver and the smaller .380 caliber pocket revolver, highlighting their differing origins and military adoptions.

Quick Summary

Firearms expert Jonathan Ferguson explains that the confusion around two Webley Mark IV revolvers stems from the 'Mark IV' designation being applied to different product lines: a .455 caliber service revolver and a smaller .380 caliber pocket revolver. The .455 was an early military iteration, while the .380 pocket model was later adopted by the military as the Enfield No. 2 Mark I.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: The Two Webley Mark IVs
  2. 00:45The First Webley Mark IV (.455 Service Revolver)
  3. 02:46The Second Webley Mark IV (.380 Pocket Revolver)
  4. 03:13Comparing the Two Mark IVs: Size and Caliber
  5. 04:06Why Two 'Mark IV' Designations?
  6. 04:53Enfield No. 2 Mk. I and Legal Disputes
  7. 06:07Military Designation Confusion Explained
  8. 06:36Summary: The Dual Mark IVs
  9. 07:44Conclusion and Royal Armouries Call to Action

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are there two different Webley Mark IV revolvers?

The confusion arises because the 'Mark IV' designation was applied to two distinct series of revolvers by Webley. One was the .455 caliber service revolver, and the other was a smaller .380 caliber pocket revolver, leading to historical ambiguity in military and commercial naming.

What is the difference between the .455 and .380 Webley Mark IV revolvers?

The .455 Webley Mark IV is a larger, full-size service revolver from the Boer War era. The .380 Webley Mark IV is a smaller, pocket revolver developed later, which was adopted by the British military as the Enfield No. 2 Mark I.

When was the Webley Mark IV (.455) introduced?

The first Webley Mark IV, the .455 caliber service revolver, was introduced on July 21, 1899. It became an iconic sidearm during the Boer War and was the British military's fourth iteration in its service revolver line.

How did the .380 Webley Mark IV become a military firearm?

The .380 Webley Mark IV pocket revolver was adopted by the British military in 1932 as the Enfield No. 2 Mark I. Due to production needs during WWII, the government also purchased Webley's own Mark IV pocket revolvers, officially designating them 'Revolver Mark IV .380 inch'.

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