RFI Brass Signal Pistol 1918

[AlanDavid]

Hello Everyone

First post on this forum.

I am writting a book on British & Commonwealth military signal pistols. I have been sent a photo of a No1 Mk111* signal pistol made by the Rifle Factory Ishapore in 1918. Only two examples of this RFI made signal pistol are known to me, both dated 1918. Does any one else in India have an example they could post details of on this forum, I am especially keen to get serial numbers.

Regards

AlanD
Sydney
Australia

[AlanDavid]

Bump

[grewal]

sorry

[winnie_the_pooh]

Sorry for the late reply on this.In India,the govt rarely if ever sells govt property to the citizens.I doubt any one in India has one of these out side the security forces holdings.The Indian defence establishment is still steeped in the colonial attitude of denying Indian citizens any sort of information no matter how inconsequential.You would be more likely to get information that you seek from forums based in USA or Uk than here.After all,these seem to have made their way to markets in these countries.

[cottage cheese]

sorry

Hey Alan,

Didn't know Signal Pistols were a subject large enough for a whole book!

Gimme a day or so- I believe I came across a cabinet full of Very Light Pistols in a police armory. I'll try to photograph them in detail.

Regards,
cc

[AlanDavid]

Many thanks for the replies.

The two examples that have been brought to my attention are in a colection in the U.S.A. No doubt they were imported at some point.

I have e-mailed and written two leters to two different departments of RFI but never recieved a rely. Therefore this forum is my only hope!

I will be most greatful for any information.

Regards

AlanD
Sydney
Australia

[cottage cheese]

Hey Alan,

As promised, here are the pictures of a bunch of Very Pistols I found in the inventory.

None of them bear any marking other than the serial numbers which are impressed on the lower left of the chamber area and the left front strap of the trigger guard.

These don't appear to be RFI ones, nor are they brass and rather look like generic British staple. But hey, I could be wrong and you are the pro... anyway here are the pictures.









PM me your email ID in case you require high resolution images...and perhaps more information.

regards,
cc

[art_collector]

Hi Alan,

Even I am a bit amazed that Signal pistols would be a subject matter for a book.

The only brass signal pistol I have seen is VERYS. On the barrel it is mentioned FOR VERYS SIGNAL LIGHTS ONLY. They have a proof mark of V with a crown and CP with a crown.




AC

[AlanDavid]

Hi CC

It's always interesting looking through 'official' stock piles of small arms - you never know quite what you will find. In this case the pistols are the common No1 Mk5 one inch pistol. These examples would have been made in WW2. They are of a simple sheet metal construction with spot welding.Thank you for he photos.



Hi AC

You have an early -1880's to 1890's- British made signal pistol. It is made of brass or gunmetal and bears London commercial proofs; I will take a guess and say that it will only have a
2 or 3 digit serial number. This style of pistol with spur trigger, is similar to the first patterns adopted by the Royal Navy in the 1880's which were later replaced by the more familiar Webley & Scott style No1 MK 11 and No1 Mk 111 pistols. If it is a military issue example it will have a broad arrow and an inspectors stamp.Thanks for the photos.

Regards

AlanD
Sydney

[cottage cheese]

Hi CC
It's always interesting looking through 'official' stock piles of small arms - you never know quite what you will find. In this case the pistols are the common No1 Mk5 one inch pistol. These examples would have been made in WW2. They are of a simple sheet metal construction with spot welding.Thank you for he photos.

Hi Alan,

Thanks for the education- Glad I could pitch in.

These are only from one armoury - When I do have time, I'll check out others as well...Armed Police Battalion armouries in particular...they may have other varieties, since I remember vaguely seeing brassy examples being used for parades when I was much younger.

regards,
cc

[AlanD]

Still looking for examples of RFI made signal pistols if anyone has come across one recently.

Regards

AlanD
Sydney
Australia