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.
To learn more about arms and armour in popular culture, visit our blog: blog.royalarmo...
Where to find us:
⚔Website: royalarmouries...
⚔Blog: blog.royalarmo...
⚔Facebook: / royalarmouriesmuseum
⚔Twitter: / royal_armouries

[@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.

[@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.

[@stc3145]

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

[@rotisserieprotocol3582]

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

[@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the main characters are short-barrelled MKV versions (I think, since MKIV were black powder only, which would be a bit outdated in 1926), which I find even cooler than the MKVI.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

[@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

[@RoyalArmouries]

Become a curator and apply for a job with us!

[@roarkkaufman9339]

@@RoyalArmouries 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.

[@itsotthd3329]

@@RoyalArmouries 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.

[@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

[@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

[@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…

[@sespa7867]

Came from gamespot could watch this for hours

[@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

[@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 :)

[@dazin7886]

cant wait for season 5 lol

[@Sabrowsky]

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

[@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

[@thepipejunkie8359]

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

[@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.

[@rubenskiii]

He's an undercover Punisher fan xD

[@MrADjam5]

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

[@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.

[@Devastatingballs]

“That’s a Webley Micheal... jumps on the hammer..”

[@Rahul-tc1nx]

That was a great scene

[@eslmbt4961]

just incredible

[@michaelmoncur7678]

Michael*

[@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

[@planesrift]

I wish I can visit the museum one day!

[@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!

[@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.

[@elitedavidhorne8494]

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

[@georginagedroge4405]

Agreed, Boris!

[@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

[@Willian_Boa_Tarde]

The MkVI is the most beautiful revolver ever made IMO

[@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.

[@hideyoshiq7813]

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

[@fritz1143]

Man that Webley revolver is so awesome!

[@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.

[@velikolepnaya.persona]

Give me three revolvers by order of the Peaky fucking Blinders ⚜️

[@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 .

[@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.

[@KaneBoggis]

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

[@mooneyes2k478]

"Captain of the Guards" no less...so, now being the Keeper of Firearms and Artillery, is that a step up, or a separate position?

[@morriganmhor5078]

If I understand correctly, in the times every honest British citizen could buy a handgun, crime was soaring?

[@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.

[@toes1965]

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

[@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"?"

[@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.

[@pointly]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@ivymike2691]

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

[@Joe-ie8vk]

There is just something about British revolvers that are super cool.there so ugly there cool kinda thing. I do have one question and I know it's an older video but why didnt the military get away from top break? Yeah way faster to reload but a weaker frame none the less American got away from this top break long before the Brits did.cost or? Always wondered why they kept up with that and not going to a swing out cylinder lile the u.s did?

[@peabase]

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

[@totljag1]

Webley .455 Mk VI. Don’t pull the trigger on that gun empty u will break the hammer pin !

[@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.

[@jesseerven4859]

The fuck type of name is " Peaky Blinders " for a show lmao

[@travishabursky4362]

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

[@EmpireOfLuciferSatanson666]

Can't beat the razorblades sawn in front of a flat cap.

[@MrKoers309]

Too bad Brits can’t own these. One of the best revolvers ever made.

[@kendomyers]

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

[@Jahsizzl9]

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

[@whathappenedhere9713]

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

[@DeNihility]

You mean Hoxton?

[@pedroferreira4460]

and the arthur`s smith & wesson model 10?

[@Oioioilarva446]

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

[@danielmartin9352]

Is this royal armouries at leeds?

[@clarebearr5357]

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

[@nobodyyou_know7836]

Yes aunt polly did carry a webly bulldog

[@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

[@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

[@trauma4465]

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

[@0570965]

I'm looking for a Webley, one that is unshaven and in good condition.

[@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.

[@DirtyDiksgunoroma]

This video was approved "By Order of The Peaky Blinders" 😉

[@lloydsloan4421]

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

[@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!

[@grahamthebaronhesketh.]

The sound is awful. N O

[@hi_im_elli]

Its gotten better

[@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.

[@BIG-DIPPER-56]

Very good - thank you ! ! ! 🙂😎👍

[@yunisiguaran6339]

Cual era el revolver de thomas shelby

[@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

[@bingusbadingus9486]

Peaky Blinders... That is the most British sounding thing I’ve ever heard. Like so British it sounds like a stereotype.

[@vinnydaq13]

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

[@lanslater]

Yaaa Peaka fuukin Blaaandas Im a fan too deserved what ever awards it gets and I heard series 6 is in the making :D but Im not holding breath check that for vain rumour

[@Tonks143]

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

[@Bistoink2009]

Great show, great revolvers!

[@MrDoYouKnowMe2211]

Wow, you really bunged up the explanation of double and single action

[@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

[@haroldellis9721]

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

[@TinkerBobV8]

So... got any job openings?

[@greeneggsandflams7861]

The richardson is basically a miniature model no.3 schofeild

[@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

[@christophercrum2829]

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

[@Hunter_Brandon]

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

[@GunCollector007]

I need to get one. Thanks

[@MrFreefonix420]

That Webley looks factory new 🥵🥵

[@kennethclark3933]

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

[@Colinpark]

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

[@alessandro4250]

Can i know how much the barrel is long?

[@HJDore]

Most revolvers have a barrel less than 10 inches.

[@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.

[@CAP198462]

If I can name the guns on the wall behind him, do I get a prize?

[@itzmooregames9018]

I know it’s isn’t a revolver but my favourite pistol of this show is the 1911

[@itzmooregames9018]

Matthew Terry don’t know why I put the reliable bit reading it now you just made me realise 👍

[@PaulRudd1941]

@@itzmooregames9018 Sorry, I don't want to come off as condescending and that's exactly how I sound upon reflection. I totally get what you mean and agree that functionally, the 1911 is a better gun.

[@sirtickleshitz]

Bought my Colt .45 and had it refurbished and refitted. Old and beat up but still fit as a fiddle, haven't regretted buying it since.

[@randyhavard6084]

Those two Webley's are in amazing shape.

[@rabbidpencil8448]

3 years later and that mini uzi on the botton and the skorpion over his shoulder still give me anxiety.

[@randomgyk]

How mutch do they cost $$