Antique Firearms

[derekpara]

Does anyone on site have a good knowledge of antique firearms ?

I have an old revolver accessory which I would like to identify. Must be around 100 years old I would say, but with no identifying inscriptions or markings. I will describe in more detail if I get a response.

Cheers.

D

[NazNomad]

Describe in more detail, what do you mean, ''accessory''?

[WELSHYORKIE]

Take it to a gun shop and ask them

[alavahalf]

From the description... it sounds top secret to me..!

[NazNomad]

100 year old laser sight?

[scotman]

If you don't know what it is then how do you 'know' it is a revolver accessory? Any chance of posting a picture.

[derekpara]

Right; let's deal with your answers one by one.

Naz. An accessory is something used, in firearms terms, to service or maintain a weapon. My intention was to describe it to someone who appeared to have a knowledge of antique weapons.

Welshyorkie. Not many gun shops around, and they mainly deal with shotguns and air rifles. This is a specialist item.

alavahalf. There was no description - and it's not a secret. Wait, and your curiosity will soon be sorted.

Naz. No

scotsman. I know it's a revolver accessory because it clearly is meant for a six-chamber. In fact I've got a pretty good idea what it is but I would like to know what make and model weapon it was designed for. And no, I don't know how to post a picture on hers. Can it be done, anyway ?

Well folks, Let's give you a brief description. It is a six round loader( and possibly, extractor) . Rounds slip into clips and I would think the contraption can be pulled off the weapon leaving the rounds in the chamber. Calibre appears to be .45 percussion. The whole thing is in a cylindrical leather pouch designed to be worn on a belt, and presumably the wearer may have had several of them ready for loading. There are no WD marks on the pouch or loader.

There, that's about it. Now let me hear from someone with a bit of useful information - but thank you all for your interest.

[NazNomad]

I know what a speedloader is ... no need to be so secretive about it.

[NazNomad]

I'll ask in my local gunshop tomorrow (if I remember), he might know more.

[derekpara]

Thanks, Naz.

It's still fully charged with live ammo; that's why I was being a bit careful. There; secret's out now so I'll wait for the knock on the door.

Found it an a deceased relative's attic. Probably take the ammo to the local cop shop.

[scotman]

Agree what you describe sounds like a speed loader for a break-action revolver. I would phone for the police to come and collect it asap and tell them that you just found it! It is unwise to carry it anywhere.

[ChuckFickens]

Probably a speedloader for a Webley .455 revolver as they were the standard issue service revolver for years around the turn of last century and used to be supplied with a number of speedloaders.

http://i819.photobuck...hn170950/SDC10754.jpg

[ChuckFickens]

Oh, also, if it is the loader as pictured up there ^ which is a prideaux loader make sure you keep hold of it, get the ammo to the police (calling them would be better than walking into a police station with live ammo) but make sure they don't take the loader.

The phrase as rare as rocking horse droppings comes to mind, an original prideaux loader is worth a fair bit of money to a collector.

[derekpara]

Chuck. Yes, that's the one and it IS marked ' For Webley .455' .

I'll probably try and sell it on e-bay unless there is another more profitable outlet, but I'll get the rounds to the police first. Still seems a shame to split them up after all this time.

Thanks, as usual for your great input.

Cheers.

D

[society]

Doesn't it have sentimental meaning to you? Why do you want to part with it? Don't you have kids to pass it down to? It might worth much more in years to come.

[scotman]

If you ask nicely the police might(although I think it unlikely) give you the deactivated rounds back. You could try explaining the age of the items etc. but I would be very careful about saying how long they had been in my possession.

[derekpara]

Society. Doesn't have any sentimental attachments. And I need the money !

Scotsman. Only had it about a week. Might try that with the police. Nothing to lose.

D

[taapoutdoors]

Antique firearms are firearms created and manufactured before the turn of the 20th century. The exact definition of what is considered an "ancient firearm" varies from country to country. The historical interest in antique firearms and/or their monetary value is usually the reason why they are collected.

[GaryseGunsShops]

Authorities may return voided rounds to you if you ask carefully, but I think that is unlikely.We could try to explain the age of the item and other details, I take great care in disclosing how long an item has been in my possession.

[scorpiustactical]

In most states, modern firearm registration and ownership requirements do not apply to antique firearms. However, each state uses this exception and may differ in how they define "antique firearms." Firearms that are classified as antiques under federal law were manufactured before 1898.