The Revolvers from Peaky Blinders

In this video series, Jonathan Ferguson, Interim Keeper of Firearms & Artillery at the Royal Armouries takes a look at some of the guns from the TV series, Peaky Blinders.
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[@rotisserieprotocol3582]

"If you wanna get nerdy about it, which we do." *cheeky smirk* Jon never change, you gem.

[@Saintbow]

When Indiana Jones and the Shelby's both share the same taste in weapons.

[@mikeoscarone]

Indy used the WG version of the .455 Webley MkVI in the later movies, in the first and second movie he used a .455 S&W HE MkII with a cut down barrel and a M1917, again with a cut down barrel.

[@Mrstrangert392]

Indy used a Smith & Wesson M1917 sometimes too

[@jordanhicks5131]

1917 is better than the webley imho

[@paullytle1904]

@@jordanhicks5131 grip is worse and the sights are worse, too things you don't want in a fighting gun

[@jordanhicks5131]

@@paullytle1904 I disagree, love shooting the 1917 I have, it's a stronger action too

[@user-ns3vs3bp3e]

So your job is literally to look at, clean and take care of a bunch of interesting old guns? Where do I apply 😂😂😂

[@marvindebot3264]

In line behind Ian Mccallum 😉

[@666mrmongo]

@@marvindebot3264 you mean gun Jesus

[@user-ns3vs3bp3e]

@@marvindebot3264 don’t take the lords name in vain! He is Gun Jesus to you

[@gaylordpantamime]

@@marvindebot3264 I kissed the floor that man walks on

[@someanarchist6021]

@@marvindebot3264 he is gun jesus to you.

[@lptomtom]

Peaky Blinders has a fantastic weapon selection... the last season had a firefight involving a Lewis gun, a MP18, Tommy guns and a Colt 1911. The Webleys used by the main characters are short-barrelled MKV versions (I think, since MKIV were black powder only, which would be a bit outdated in 1926), which I find even cooler than the MKVI. Cool video!

[@paullytle246]

lptomtom never used an mp18 he had an mp28 which was later and used a conventional magazines

[@hanskc3302]

Actually it wasn't even MP-28. It was Steyr-Solothurn S1-100.

[@paullytle246]

Hans KC oh yeah its got the octagonal receiver and bayonet lugs

[@zoiders]

I am a bit lairy of the black powder only thing as the .455 Webley in nitro was not exactly a hot round. The .38 SAA Webley/Enfield was very low velocity as well as it shared the same Victorian era metallurgy. Many Webleys were shaved down to chamber half moon clips of .45 ACP but it's not recommended that full house loads be used with any regularity.

[@mauricewalshe8234]

There is a reference to Tommy owning the Lancaster company which did make guns

[@NovaCoach.]

The show also makes use of the Luger pistol used by Danny wisbang, the french MLE pistol used by Billy Kimber, the Lewis gun used by Tommy and Freddy Thorn, the Short Magazine lee-Enfield used by John, Jeremiah, Aziah, Charlie, and the M1911 used by Tommy as well as a few other guns such as a range of double barrel shotguns, a mouser carbine, and a DP 28 Russian LMG used by Arthur against the Irish boys. There’s probably more as well…

[@howey935]

My great grandad was a message runner during WWI and he brought home a webley revolver. I remember my grandad showing me it and a German rifle my grandad brought home from WWII. He ended up giving them both away because when I was 9 and my brother was 11 we shot the rifle out the bedroom window over the fields. I broke my shoulder because I shouldered the gun but couldn’t reach the trigger so my brother pulled it and the kickback knocked me off the windowsill.

[@liammeech3702]

The police take them?

[@howey935]

@@liammeech3702 no he gave them to the Leeds armoury

[@klondike69none85]

Hi Johnathan, let me explain how every gun nut, gun fan, gun historian, gun enthusiast, target shooter, or generally anyone whos ever watched a clint eastwood movie feels about you. You lucky lucky bastard. Keep up the great work and great content.

[@fin4204]

The issued Webley is explainable since Tommy was a Tunneler during the war. A tunneler wouldn't need a rifle since its too large and difficult to use in tight areas. It's not a far stretch of the imagination that Tommy was issued with a Webley as a form of self-defence or as a way out (although I'm not actually sure if they were, might've been, might not've been).

[@MaxwellAerialPhotography]

He was also a Sergeant Major, amongst the infantry enlisted men, only senior non commissioned officers were issued pistols.

[@paullytle1904]

@@MaxwellAerialPhotography the army did keep pistols in a reserve for issue out to raiders and the like

[@trevvonhiggle1980]

@@paullytle1904 it was also far from unheard of for soldiers to buy or acquire their own pistols.

[@paullytle1904]

@@trevvonhiggle1980 I don't think Tommy would have a scruples about taking a pistol

[@t.michaelbodine4341]

Great video as always, Jonathan. The Webley is such an iconic piece. I've fired just about every gun that exists from flint-lock to full-auto (the American West is as full of guns as you'd imagine) but never a Webley. I've never fired a break-action revolver.

[@randellharris7541]

Thank you, Mr. Ferguson, thank you for wearing a Punisher shirt under your sportcoat. I enjoy all of the videos from the Royal Armories and now I've reason to pay even closer attention. Cheers!

[@adriantyler6911]

The Webley RIC, was the first double action Webley made and was adopted by the 'Royal Irish Constabulary' in 1868, hence the name.

[@teec3385]

Most excellent & well presented as always Jonathan, Thank You :)

[@wendigo1619]

I used to play with my grandad's Webbly mk-6 as a kid... it had a huge crack in the cylinder and would explode if it ever was shot... still in my personal collection next to my uncle's 1847 walker also with a cracked cylinder

[@MrADjam5]

Peaky Blinders is a great show and they use period-correct weapons. Good stuff.

[@cwxdaf152]

It's to be expected of the Royal Armouries but it still surprises me when I see how pristine the finish is on the exhibits. Gorgeous!

[@ZannNewman]

They usually have one of each type of gun made by the Royal armoury straight from the factory and collect used examples as well

[@guywhocomments]

It is amazing that only 400k were produced when, given what I've seen of British murder mysteries, about 90% of the desks in the UK have a Webley in them.

[@Appleboxman]

Glad to see the Webley RIC getting some attention. It's somewhat overlooked, especially here in the States, which is a shame. It's a very historically significant gun. Interesting fact, General Custer was thought to have carried a pair of RICs during his last stand at Little Big Horn.

[@paullytle246]

Subcontinental Bugman not to mention Garfield was assassinated with one

[@JosipRadnik1]

@@paullytle246 and Mc Kinley was shot with an Iver Johnson Revolver, very similar to that Harrington Richardson shown here Yes, the Webley RIC and the Beaumont Adams Revolvers or the Tranter are two types that would like to own one day. I never understood why there is no modern reproduction of one of those types as there is for the percussion cap Colt's and Remingtons or the wild west aera cartridge revolvers like the S&W No. 3 or the Colt Single Action Army.

[@Bistoink2009]

Great show, great revolvers!

[@sespa7867]

Came from gamespot could watch this for hours

[@schizoidboy]

The small revolver reminded me of a passage in one of Somerset Maugham's Ashenden spy stories. While the character never gets into gunfights he does carry a small revolver for protection, it probably wasn't all that different then small one shown here that was made in Birmingham.

[@Tipi_Dan]

The Webley Mk.VI is one of the greatest revolvers in history. It is the greatest top-breaking revolver in history. I am permanently thrilled to own an unaltered specimen (.455) of Enfield manufacture (1928). The one displayed by our host in this video is pristine--- the mintiest example I have ever seen.

[@AneurysmHooks]

That's not how you spell Schofield Model 3!

[@cape206]

Man that Webley revolver is so awesome!

[@ivymike2691]

Wouldn't mind seeing more than just the revolvers, really fun show and good video.

[@pointly]

I own a Webley Mk IV. Chambered in .38 S&W Love it!

[@trauma4465]

Beautiful old revolvers reminds me of the amazing gunsmith skills of Tipping & Lawden or Williams & Powell both based in Birmingham England.

[@planesrift]

I wish I can visit the museum one day!

[@Tonks143]

Great grandad used to have a Webley he brought back from the Great War, kept in my Grans loft for a long time.

[@BIG-DIPPER-56]

Very good - thank you ! ! ! 🙂😎👍

[@scotttait2197]

Glad more recent videos the audio has improved !

[@travishabursky4362]

Its nice to see how the production values have increased steadily over the years.

[@Sabrowsky]

I'm a simple man, I see Skinny Museum Gun Guy, I press like

[@toptsun8484]

0:14 that little smirk, I swear to god when he said "British"

[@Jahsizzl9]

I love the top break of the Webley and all revolvers in general

[@baljeetkaur6967]

Tommy shelby's colt 1911 is legendary tho .....colt suits his personality and when he draw out colt 1911 from his holster ....its give a gangsta vibe

[@WuKuVex]

PEAKY FOOKING BLINDERS! Im absolutely loving the series. Actually just started to watch it on netflix and im few episodes in at season 2. Also, cool video! Edit addin the words: Respect from Finland to you magnificent people of United Kindom!

[@Wavemaninawe]

Isnt that supposed to be 'Pay‐kaye FOOOKEHN' Bloind-awhs!!' ? At least with proper Arthurian pronounciation.

[@GunCollector007]

I need to get one. Thanks

[@PURPLECATDUDE7734]

While this is a wonderful presentation, it’s amazing how quickly your skill as a presenter and host have improved in such a short period

[@LunaRose1312]

So let me get this straight, they pay you to look at clean and talk about interesting firearms, damn I'm in the wrong job

[@RoyalArmouriesMuseum]

Become a curator and apply for a job with us!

[@roarkkaufman9339]

@@RoyalArmouriesMuseum between your channel and Forgotten Weapons I am keep killing my finances by buying historic weapons you both show off for my collection 😂

[@SvenTviking]

Down side, you have to live in Leeds.

[@cmdrmajordistress]

@@RoyalArmouriesMuseum sign me up, i already have a small collection of weapons at home lol (all legal)

[@Doiknowyou566]

@@roarkkaufman9339 Mis-reading your comment as ’I keep killing my fiancé’s by buying historic weapons’ made it quite interesting lol.

[@thamas_420]

Wow, what a beautiful weapon!

[@Payne427]

"Well, if we have to use guns.... LET'S USE PROPER GUNS!" "SGT. Thorne reporting for duty, sir!" "You said something about being "Outgunned"?"

[@History_Coffee]

Custer had a Webley RIC on him at the battle of the little big horn. Most Americans don't realize that these webleys were pretty prolific in the "wild west" alongside the colts and S&W.

[@peabase]

I've heard that Webley's British Bulldog was the gun that won the West, not the Colt Peacemaker.

[@luc2o]

That Mark VI is beautiful!!

[@user-cm8en8or1p]

You have the best job in the world my friend.

[@dazin7886]

cant wait for season 5 lol

[@superowl91]

nice collection of room clearers on the wall behind.

[@iamnuff1992]

Oh hey, I recognize the bulldog. I had a cap-gun that was that model. Never knew that it was modelled after a specific real gun. Cool.

[@randyhavard6084]

Those two Webley's are in amazing shape.

[@SutterfieldSwag]

This dude would make a banger of a dinner guest

[@rubenskiii]

He's an undercover Punisher fan xD

[@christophercrum2829]

who makes that "Punisher" polo t-shirt? its fantastic!

[@chrisbrent7487]

Pretty sure there were lots of automatic pistols featured. In the earlier series I remember FN1910’s and of course the mafia always had 1911 and early 1921 Thompsons. I think Tommy even used an MP18 when his Lewis gun ran dry in the gun fight with the mafia in the terrace houses.

[@noahmierau2902]

The interesting part is that really the only time we see the the revolving part of the gun is when Arthur is emptying it lol

[@The_Republic_of_Ireland]

I love Webley revolvers, they're absolutely beautiful weapons and I'd really like to own a Mark VI

[@robertjury6745]

The Republic Of Ireland I have mine, a pristine 1917 Mkv1 which I use.

[@The_Republic_of_Ireland]

@@robertjury6745 awesome

[@JosipRadnik1]

@@The_Republic_of_Ireland If you want to own and shoot one you not only have to consider legal issues to get a permit etc (depending on what country you live in) - you would also have to make ammunition yourself. There is almost no cal .455 Webley ammunition on the market and if you find some, it's usually very expensive.

[@The_Republic_of_Ireland]

@@JosipRadnik1 well in Ireland you can only legally own a bolt action rifle and shotgun, pistols are very rare to get a licence for and anything else is impossible

[@JosipRadnik1]

@@The_Republic_of_Ireland This is rather unfortunate. I would distrust governments that distrust their people. However - bolt action rifles and shotguns are already good enough for me. I own several firearms but my favourites still are my reproduction percussion cap rifles. When I'm done loading and firing 20 rounds of black powder + minie ball I'm more satisfied as if I had fired 100 rounds of 9mm through a submachine gun. I have bought a 1877 Werndl rifle and do some reloading, which is great fun. My only problem is that many shooting ranges here in Switzerland don't allow black powder rifles and handguns at their range because their insurancies only allow them to use standard issue military ammunition. So dates and places are somewhat limited.

[@Willian_Boa_Tarde]

The MkVI is the most beautiful revolver ever made IMO

[@SB-ue1lr]

It was cool to see the New Yorkers coming with Tommy guns and Peaky Blinders only had rifles and revolvers

[@denforundrade695]

Well the peaky blinders also had a Lewis machine gun and what I believe was a Lanchester Mkl...

[@zoiders]

Rifles in .303 and .455 pistols in the hands of great war veterans. Spray away with your Thompson and give them a target.

[@thepipejunkie8359]

What about Arthur referencing his Smith and Wesson in the later seasons?

[@Colinpark]

those guns are in such nice shape, my Mk VI is 1926

[@kennethclark3933]

I thought you intended an episode on guns in PN other than the revolvers. Where is it?

[@carlhiley2491]

Rumour has it that gen custer had a pair of webley R I C revolvers at little big horn when he died.

[@warrencarnright3747]

FACT HAS IT .

[@greeneggsandflams7861]

The richardson is basically a miniature model no.3 schofeild

[@dee5298]

That looks like a comfortable revolver. I would cc that full size one with the right holster. I guess it's as good a time as any to see how overly expensive it is. It is true that defensive firearm use rarely lasts long enough to reload. The option is nice tho.

[@minder01]

I can't find any references to the grips on Webleys. Are they wood? Plastic? an early composite?

[@warrencarnright3747]

BAKELITE

[@minder01]

@@warrencarnright3747 They’re bakelite? They must have been so far ahead of their time.

[@warrencarnright3747]

Sorry mate, gotta percha. NOT bakelite.

[@hideyoshiq]

Don't know what Peaky Blinders is. Saw cool Gun. Clicked. I enjoy

[@tomhoward4209]

anyone else stressed out by the fact that at the beginning some of the weapons behind him are facing different directions

[@burningchrome70]

I am now... XD

[@stevethomas5849]

I was watching one Peaky Blinders episode and Tommy was sporting what appeared to be an MP28 not a MP18 bearing in mind this was the early 1920s not 1928. Artistic licence at work me thinks.

[@mallardofmodernia8092]

Depends what season it was as they skip a few years between each.

[@paullytle1904]

It's actually a Steyr mp34

[@vinnydaq13]

8:00 Carrying a second gun is usually referred to in the USA as a “New York reload”. 🧐

[@TucsonHat]

Great video, my only gripe is that the MAC-10 and VZ-61 directions are bugging me

[@bigsmoke6189]

That's an Uzi not a MAC 10

[@TucsonHat]

@@bigsmoke6189 I wanted to argue, but you're right lol. It was like 3am when I watched this

[@bigsmoke6189]

@@TucsonHat I completely understand,as one insomniac to another

[@stephenfradley8066]

Season I'm watching, Tommy takes his pistol out of a wooden holster,then attaches it to the rear of the gun,making the stock.what gun is this please?

[@MW3TIM]

Mauser C96 carbine, mate

[@stephenfradley8066]

Cheers purple.

[@raymondwilliamblack]

don't get the series here but many German and Italian guns had a Butt Stock-- Mauser; Bochard ; Luger Beretta. ever ,Remington & Colt on special orders.

[@henryhaile1653]

@@raymondwilliamblack yeah the one he used was a Mauser carbine

[@pedroferreira4460]

and the arthur`s smith & wesson model 10?

[@elitedavidhorne8494]

Heavy is good. Heavy is reliable. If it doesn't work you can always hit them with it.

[@georginagedroge4405]

Agreed, Boris!

[@deadhorse1391]

I have a Webley MKIV made in 1900, boer war gun. Back of the cylinder has been shaved so you can shoot .45 ACP using moon clips in it. I’ve also shot .45 auto rim in it too, don’t think they manufacture it anymore but I still come across some now and then A simple and strong revolver though I would not shoot any modern hot loads in it I have shot more then a few horses with it, like to use US navy birdshot rounds, would drop them dead in their tracks

[@ek8710]

Hope you're not shooting factory 45, it's far too hot for those old top breaks. It'll stretch the top strap.

[@deadhorse1391]

@@ek8710 guess you missed where I said “ I would not shoot any modern hot loads in it”

[@peabase]

There's a rare Jatimatic SMG right behind Jonathan's head.

[@sylvester5804]

Season 5 hype!

[@jayking1122]

I like those tec-9’s on the wall.

[@ObeyCamp]

Regarding the Webley revolver... In Season 3, Episode 3, John and Arthur take Michael outside and put the Webley in his hand to shoot at some bottles. They're all drunk and probably angry, or at very least extremely tense because of surrounding events, and Arthur tells Michael, who's aiming the gun down range, that aiming at bottles is nothing compared to putting that gun in a person's face. Long story short, Michael puts the gun in John's face, and then under Arthur's chin, and during both of these moments John warns Michael to be careful because the Webley's hammer jumps, meaning, I think, that users have been known to experience accidental discharges. I tried to find more info about this online, but all I found (aside from this video,) was a mention of the episode (and show quote about "hammer jump") on Reddit, and discussions about misfires involving the gun freezing up or not detonating the primers upon hammer fall. I wish this accidental discharge issue was expounded upon here, assuming it's true. I don't know if this model of Webley actually did experience hammer jump or if it was just said to add tension to that scene. Either way, great stuff, gorgeous collection, and I absolutely envy your profession. What endless amounts of history must exist between the walls of that building... Pretty unreal.

[@kyle8952]

I think just a writer's invention. maybe the character's personal gun could be damaged.

[@lhnssnhl5014]

São bastante lindos

[@danielmartin9352]

Is this royal armouries at leeds?

[@clarebearr5357]

Yes. It’s been a decade or so since i was there last.

[@Hunter_Brandon]

Every US gun owner over 60 shouted at the screen when he dry fired the first revolver

[@Oioioilarva446]

did the show used real guns? if not what did they use?

[@toes1965]

I always thought if it had a flap it was a pistol case and if no flap it's a holster

[@whathappenedhere9713]

The guy would make a good Payday character, not gonna lie

[@DeNihility]

You mean Hoxton?

[@MaxOutTheCake]

When is the new season coming out Jon? :(

[@stevesandford1437]

It is believed that Gen. George Armstrong Custer carried a pair of Webley 'Bulldog' revolvers at The Little Big Horn. The versions Custer carried are supposed to be the versions made specifically for the Royal Irish Constabulary, (then under Crown rule...) and colloquially known as the 'RIC' pistol/revolver. (Please can I have a job now??????) xx SF

[@yunisiguaran6339]

Cual era el revolver de thomas shelby

[@MrFreefonix420]

That Webley looks factory new 🥵🥵

[@lesjames5191]

Peaky blinders is a series well worth watching, but non Brits might have trouble with the Birmingham accent.

[@daffybeauashblue]

I’m a Londoner and I can’t understand a word. I use subtitles

[@WuKuVex]

im a Finn and I dont have any problems understanding them

[@petersimpson633]

it's pronounced brummie!

[@Wavemaninawe]

I actually had a harder time understanding the Italian Americans (when they where speaking english). And Im officially American. And then there is Tom Hardy... Speaking Tom Hardy. Loved both Brody and Hardy their roles though.

[@lloydsloan4421]

No .38 S&W Royal Enfields or S&W Military and Police? Surprising.

[@Omnihil777]

If you wanna know more, I recommend Ian McCollum and his channel "Forgotten Weapons": kzbin.info/www/bejne/qqTam6SHpMiVmKM Fun-Fact: Dr. Watson had a Webley revolver to support Sherlock Holmes, too.

[@cromabu5090]

I love Webleys and lee Enfields (Mainly because they’re British)

[@denforundrade695]

I personally love the design of the Webleys. one of the nicest esthetical revolver designs in history...

[@MaxwellAerialPhotography]

Den Förundrade if I remember correctly Garfield was assassinated with a Belgian Bulldog copy.

[@nilo70]

Never watched it , but like old revolvers

[@Mr_T_Badger]

(Watching the video) “Awww, Johnathan has a boring old polo shirt today.” (11:24 minutes in, seeing the Punisher skull.) “YESSSS!” 😋

[@haroldellis9721]

Royal Armouries at Leeds: Here H&K Grey Room, hold my beer (a very tasty bitter, no doubt).

[@maxwellhorne5965]

Punisher skull?

[@muhammadsohaibimran1402]

Where is Arthur's Smith and wesson Victory model?

[@mikeoscarone]

He had a victory model in the 1920s ?!?

[@schizoidboy]

The Victory Model was a World War Two made revolver, however, the .38 Special revolvers that would later be designated the Model 10 or the M&P models were in existence in 1899 and are still being made today.

[@KaneBoggis]

I think the mk4 looks much nicer than the mk6 not sure why possibly that grip shape all be it less ergonomic.

[@bertmacdonald337]

Nice tee shirt, btw Lofty ;)

[@raymaxwell2940]

Noticed in the series a few mistakes for the period like what looked like a mp34 instead of what should have been the ww1 mp18 and did i see a russian DP28

[@Sh.a.0.s]

How can i know what year was my Webley made? It has a MK IV engraving long barrel 6 shots with a .38/767” but i only found the .38-200 online

[@alecblunden8615]

I suspect this is the WW2 replacement for the .455 weapons Co fusing, I know, but Webley developed a less powerful side arm at the War Departments request, who then nicked the design and had them made at Enfield, virtually identical to the Webley which was also produced in significant numbers during the War. So probably 1940 to 1945 ,- should be marked. But there is no connection between the Mk IV .455 and the .38.

[@andigaming9486]

what is the name of the first gun

[@LouisL1963]

It's the Webley Mark VI - standard British issue revolver that saw action in both World Wars and Korea. Was supplemented by the No. 2 Enfield revolver in WW2 which was a very similar firearm.

[@Illiteratechimp]

I would love his job I got to handle many of the historical weapons in the US Army Ordnance Museum after it moved to Fort Lee VA Best week of my career