Webley No.3 Mk.I Signal Pistol

Webley & Scott Ltd. · Pistol · Discontinued · 1918

Also known as: Webley & Scott No.3 Mk.I, Pistol Signal No.3 Mk.I, Webley 1-inch Signal Pistol

Overview

The Webley No.3 Mk.I is a British break-action, single-shot signal pistol chambered for the 1 inch (25.4mm) pyrotechnic signal cartridge. Manufactured by Webley & Scott, it was standard issue to British and Commonwealth forces from the end of the First World War through the Second World War. The large steel-framed pistol has a smoothbore barrel, a flared muzzle for easy handling with gloved or muddy hands, and a lanyard ring, and was used to fire flares to relay commands, illuminate the battlefield, and mark positions.

Specifications

Weight (empty)	1100 g (38.8 oz)
Overall Length	215 mm (8.46")
Barrel Length	152 mm (5.98")
Height	155 mm (6.10")
Width	40 mm (1.57")
Action Type	Break Action
Firing Mechanism	Hammer Fired
Trigger Type	Double Action
Magazine Capacity	1 rounds
Muzzle Velocity	45 m/s (148 fps)
Effective Range	90 m (98 yd)
Maximum Range	200 m (219 yd)
Barrel Rifling	Smoothbore
Frame Material	Steel
Barrel Material	Steel
Stock Material	Bakelite
Finish	Blued

Calibers

1 inch (25.4mm) Flare · primary — also known as 1 inch flare, 1" signal cartridge, 25.4mm signal

Features

Firing modes: Manual
Feed systems: Single Shot Breech
Features: Break Open Action, Single Shot, Flared Muzzle, Lanyard Ring, Smoothbore Barrel

Service history

Operators

British Army · adopted 1918 · as Pistol, Signal, No.3 Mk.I
Royal Air Force
Commonwealth forces

Conflicts

First World War (1914-1918)
Second World War (1939-1945)

Production

Production years: 1918-1945

Produced by Webley & Scott, Birmingham; widely issued across British and Commonwealth forces in both World Wars.

Origin

Country of origin: United Kingdom

Discontinued: 1945

Notes

The No.3 Mk.I 1-inch pattern superseded the earlier 26.5mm No.1 series signal pistols in British service. Steel and brass framed variants exist.

Background

Signal pistols like the No.3 Mk.I were a lifeline of trench and shipboard communication before reliable field radios: a single arcing flare could summon a barrage, call off friendly fire, or light no-man's-land for a night raid.