Police in Northwest England have been celebrating ridding the tough streets around Liverpool of collectible antique firearms, air guns, and starter pistols.
The Merseyside Police this month closed a two-week gun surrender event focused primarily on taking in antiques that were recently designated as being forbidden under the country's strict firearm codes. The new change targeted firearm chambered in one of seven long-obsolete 19th Century ammunition types, once protected under the UK's Firearms Act 1968, for old guns typically "held as an ornament" or curiosity.
"During the surrender we had 14 viable guns handed in, comprising of shotguns, revolvers and self-loading pistols as well as 9 blank firers, 12 air weapons and a quantity of ammunition," said Merseyside Police.
The photos released by the agency showed off a sampling fit for the likes of Colonel Mustard or Professor Plum.
This FN 1905 is a particularly early model, made before 1911 when the company started adding a trigger flange to the little .25 ACP. Other photos show this little pistol with a period leather military flap holster. As 1905s were often bought by Great War-era German officers, it was likely brought back to the UK as a war trophy over a century ago. (Photo: Merseyside Police)
This tiny pocket revolver was common in the late 19th century and was referred to as "Velo Dog" or "Revolver de Poche" models as they were marketed for use by riders of velocipedes – bicycles – for defense against chasing hounds. The bullets were often loaded with wax or cork. (Photo: Merseyside Police)
Among the long-out-of-production calibers newly banned was .320 British, a centerfire black powder pipsqueak designed for the Webley Bull Dog pocket revolver of the 1870s. (Photo: Merseyside Police)
This long-barreled monster is a rare Colt 1878 that would have been in excellent condition had its ancient holster not become one with the barrel and ejector rod. One of the first double-action revolvers marketed, the 1878 remained in production into the early 1900s and, besides "Old West" era calibers such as .32-20 and .38-40 was offered in period British favorites like .455 Webley and .476 Eley. Note the rampant Colt logo on the likely gutta-percha grips, an early natural rubber. (Photo: Merseyside Police)This sampling includes a fine $14 Marksman spring-powered air pistol, a Mauser M1914 .32 ACP – likely a war trophy – a nice S&W top-break revolver, a Velo Dog, a Webley .455 of Great War vintage, and a Victorian period Martini-Henry rifle that would have been at home at the Battle of Isandlwana. (Photo: Merseyside Police)
“I am grateful to those members of the public who have reacted positively over the past two weeks, as well as officers and staff who have all been working together behind the scenes to ensure the surrender is organized and guns are made safe," said Chief Superintendent and Head of Investigations Mark Kameen. "Each and every one of you have been responsible in protecting your loved ones, neighbors and wider community."
