Flare Gun Forum

This is an early Webley & Scott MKIII* converted to a Line Thrower. Dated '13, serial number 1813.

Does anyone know what Patent Number 179997 covers ?

What does S I SVD stand for ?

Thanks for your help, Tony

Hello Tony,

I believe the original date of production is 1915. I think the 1813 serial # was added during the refiting post war.

Patent number 179997 was issued by Great Britain to inventors Augustus & Concordd Schermuly in 1922. It covers improvements in means for firing and propelling rockets.

The nice Schermuly Line Thrower in your collection is what they were talking about. I lack any engineering skills so it's difficult to describe more detail. The patent drawings pretty well show your piece.

Your pistol spent several years, during WW I, as a signal (flare) pistol. Sometime post war it was refitted to serve as a Schermuly Line Thrower.

Nice item!

Hello, Actually a Webley & Scott Mark III * flaregun frame with serial # 1813 would be 1913 production, not 1915. I cannot make out the date proof on the frame however. A closeup would be helpful.

The 1 LB 1N stamping show it has been taken into Royal Naval service, this marking means one pound (weight of projectile) Mark 1 N (for Royal Navy). It has been up-graded to Mk111* by the addition of the hammer stop safety. This would have been done when the pistol was converted to a line thrower, in February 1932 , if I am reading the marking 2.32 correctly. I can't quite read the proof date but it looks to be 13 as signalman has commented.

Any chance of a couple of close-ups of the markings please?

Regards

AlanD
Sydney

DRE13 - Thanks to you, I GOOGLED the patent number and found a copy of the original. The brass barrel has a large 266 stamped on the left side, maybe this is the refit serial number. You can make it out in the photo if you look real close.

SIGNALMAN - The barrel lug is also stamped 1813, so you are correct. The close ups are the best I can get with my camera. The dates under the proof marks are just a blurr, even with a good magnifying glass.

AlanD - Looking forward to getting your book. 2-32 is clearly stamped - nice to know what it means.

I am continually amazed at the wealth of knowledge our members have, and their willingness to share it.

Thanks, Tony

Got a new camera - was able to get a better picture of the date stamp.

Yes, Tony645 The date the frame was manufactured was in 1913.