As used by Sherlock Holmes…?

© KIRIMON APRIL 2008

‘Salon’ – ‘Saloon’ or ‘gallery’ pistols were play things of the rich in the 19th century, particularly on the continent. They used them to practice their marksmanship indoors without creating damage, mayhem and havoc. The heyday of these indoor firearms commenced when the ‘Flobert’ cartridge was developed by Louis Nicolas Auguste Flobert, in Paris around 1845. Its design being based essentially on a round lead ball inserted into a percussion cap. He also invented a simple breach action for these weak proto Rimfire rounds, in these sleek - usually smooth bored - pistols.

The Flobert cartridge provided the inspiration for Daniel Wesson when he developed his No. 1 pistol cartridge in 1858, referred to eventually by its more recognizable name – ‘Rimfire’. Wesson added the distinct rim which became the accepted norm for all metallic cartridges that followed.

So, – it seems quite straightforward that the pistol for sale here today (See Pics) is an indoor target type as loosely described above – except…

It does not look continental…. In fact, it looks decidedly English – at least to my eye. It seems devoid of any proof or maker’s marks – save for:

SV on the frame under the (very English looking!) grips.

F H or inverted L H stamped into base of grips.

Serial number 9?9? stamped on frame.

Proof marks may have existed – and been worn away – English proofs especially can be very small indeed – or lost in the one area of black powder corrosion/repair at the breach below the barrel. See pics.

After several deep sessions in my reference books and some in-depth surfing of the net came the first clue - in a paper written in the late 1990’s about Victorian firearms as mentioned in Conan Doyle’s books. This was penned by an obvious Sherlock Holmes enthusiast - Mr Berg - who is also a Forensic Firearms Consultant in Minnesota!

A copy of part of Mr Berg’s paper in included in the sale. It makes the following reference and includes a picture of:

‘Webley Model 1880 single shot target pistol.’

This pistol was introduced by Webley in 1880. This pistol was a single shot, single action, tip-up, breech loading Target or Saloon pistol. It was made in various Rimfire calibres as well as the .297/230 Morris center fire cartridge amongst others. The book“Webley Revolvers” by Bruce and Reinhart describes and illustrates this pistol.

Note: The time period of the Webley Model 1880 single shot target pistol fits perfectly into the time slot for this published article.’

My thanks and acknowledgements for the above extract to Mr. Berg, who concludes that this type of gun was the probable pistol of choice for Holmes’s indoor target shooting…

References: Musgrave Ritual published in 1893 refers to Holmes and his "hair trigger pistol" that he used for indoor target practice on the walls of his room...

Further research has turned up one similar single shot target pistol in the excellent R E M E Museum of Technology Weapons collection. ‘Weapon No 221’ interestingly is also unmarked’

So - possibly this gun also is of Webley manufacture, since it was not until 1889 that Webley started to trademark all their products. Before this, they often sold unmarked revolvers etc, to the gun trade – the retailer could if he then wished, put his own name upon the piece.

A final comment on the markings on the frame and grips – these are very ‘Belgian’ to me – and I believe Webley did sub-contract to Belgian manufacturers in the early 1880’s – particularly the Union des Fabricants d'Armes de Liege, but I am sure there would have been others.

My knowledge of Webley is only general, it would be nice if any Webley enthusiasts/ specialists out there can shed any more light on this. My particular question to them would be - is this the earliest purpose built Webley target pistol – or was there another before 1880? All information gratefully received!

This pistol is in very good order – everything works as it should and the barrel locks up tight. Condition is very good, as you can see I hope from the photographs. You will note from the hammer that this pistol is chambered for a Rimfire cartridge. Specifically this is the .297 British Revolver RF/aka the short RF .297. This cartridge is of British origin, and came into general use about 1860 and was widely used in Webley pistols and revolvers. This is an obsolete calibre as recognised by UK law, and no licence or permit is required as long as it is held as a curiosity or ornament.

Any questions gladly answered, and any information to add to or correct the above will be gratefully received and acknowledged!

As always – no reserve.

Please add £10 for P&P Inc insurance.

© KIRIMON APRIL 2008