Webley No.4 Mk.I Signal Pistol
Webley & Scott Ltd. · Pistol · Out Of Production · 1936
Also known as: Webley & Scott No.4 Mk.I*, No.4 Mk.I Flare Pistol, RAF Aircraft Signal Pistol
Overview
The Webley No.4 Mk.I is a British single-shot, break-action signal pistol (flare gun) manufactured by Webley & Scott during the Second World War. Chambered for the 37mm (1½-inch) signal cartridge, it was fitted primarily to Royal Air Force aircraft, where distinctive locking lugs on the muzzle allowed it to be secured into a firing bracket and discharged through a port in the fuselage to fire coloured signal flares. Built of heavy steel from a mixture of machined and cast parts, it was a rugged, purpose-built pyrotechnic launcher rather than a weapon.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 1100 g (38.8 oz) |
| Overall Length | 215 mm (8.46") |
| Barrel Length | 102 mm (4.02") |
| Action Type | Break Action |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 1 rounds |
| Barrel Rifling | Smoothbore |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 37mm Flare · primary — also known as 1.5 inch signal, 1½-inch flare, 37mm flare
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Single Shot Breech
- Safety mechanisms: Half Cock Hammer
- Features: Break Open Action, Single Shot, Aircraft Mounting Lugs, Muzzle Locking Bracket
Variants
- Webley No.4 Mk.I* Long Barrel - Long Barrel
Service history
Operators
- Royal Air Force · adopted 1936 · as No.4 Mk.I
- Royal Navy
Conflicts
- World War II (1939-1945)
Production
Production years: 1936-1945
Produced in quantity for the RAF and other British forces during WWII by several contractors
Origin
Country of origin: United Kingdom
Designer: Webley & Scott
Discontinued: 1945
Notes
The No.4 Mk.I* pattern was produced by several contractors during WWII and issued in a standard and a long-barrel version. It is frequently confused with the EE-3 blaster prop from Star Wars, but that prop was actually built on the earlier WWI-era Webley No.1 Mk.I flare pistol, not this No.4 pattern.
Background
Webley signal pistols are celebrated for their industrial, futuristic silhouette, and a surplus Webley flare gun famously formed the core of Boba Fett's EE-3 blaster in the original Star Wars trilogy. That prop, however, was built on the earlier WWI No.1 Mk.I flare pistol rather than this WWII No.4 Mk.I aircraft pattern.