The Revolvers from Peaky Blinders

Published on January 18, 2018
Duration: 12:15

Jonathan Ferguson of the Royal Armouries provides an expert overview of revolvers featured in Peaky Blinders. The guide details iconic models like the Webley Mark VI and Mark IV, explaining their historical context, military markings, and civilian acquisition. It also covers smaller pocket revolvers like the Bulldog and H&R Top Break, offering insights into their design and use in the early 20th century.

Quick Summary

Jonathan Ferguson, Keeper of Firearms at the Royal Armouries, details revolvers from Peaky Blinders. Key models include the Webley Mark VI service revolver and the more concealable Mark IV. Markings like 'Sold out of Service' explain civilian acquisition, while Birmingham-made Bulldogs and American H&R revolvers show the variety of firearms available.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Peaky Blinders Firearms
  2. 01:06Webley Mark VI Service Revolver
  3. 04:01Webley Mark IV and Military Markings
  4. 05:53The Webley Bulldog and Birmingham Manufacturing
  5. 08:12Webley RIC and Victorian Origins
  6. 09:49Harrington & Richardson Top-Break Revolver

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main revolvers seen in Peaky Blinders?

The most iconic is the Webley Mark VI. Other significant revolvers include the Webley Mark IV, the Webley No. 2 Bulldog, the Webley RIC No. 1, and the American-made H&R Top Break, often used for concealment.

What does the 'Sold out of Service' marking mean on a firearm?

This marking, often depicted as opposing arrows, indicates that a firearm was officially decommissioned from military use and sold into the civilian market, explaining how characters might have legally acquired such weapons.

Why was the Webley Mark IV considered more concealable than the Mark VI?

The Webley Mark IV is an earlier, more compact version featuring a 'bird's head' grip and a shorter barrel, making it significantly easier to conceal compared to the larger Webley Mark VI service revolver.

Which revolvers were manufactured in Birmingham, as seen in Peaky Blinders?

The video highlights a Webley Bulldog type revolver made by Lincoln Jeffries in Birmingham, the show's setting. This emphasizes the local manufacturing capabilities for firearms during that era.

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