Azboater Posted 12 April , 2022 Share Posted 12 April , 2022 Here are some photographs of my fairly early manufactured 1914 dated Webley MarkV still in original .455 Caliber. I was wondering if any Forum member can Identify the Unit ? or other markings on the Pistol. 11/14 on the Backstrap and looks to be 2L1, HCB, and 37 stamped on the right side Interesting that it is stamped with a faint "England" U.S. import mark, but I see no "sold out of Service" Broad arrow marks.... Thanks In Advance Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trajan Posted 15 April , 2022 Share Posted 15 April , 2022 Hmmmm.... 'H.C.' was for 'Home Counties', but the 'B'? The lack of stops after the letters makes me think it could be the owner's initials? Trajan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Azboater Posted 15 April , 2022 Author Share Posted 15 April , 2022 Sorry what does Home Counties mean? thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trajan Posted 15 April , 2022 Share Posted 15 April , 2022 (edited) The definition for 'H.C' is given on p.193 of Instructions for Armourers 1916. The 'Home Counties' are traditionally Buckinghamshire are Surrey alone, but the term is often used to include Berkshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Kent, and even sometimes Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Hampshire, Oxfordshire, East Sussex, and West Sussex. BUT what the Home Counties were in army minds in 1914-1916 is not known to me! Oh, by the way, welcome to GWForum! Julian Edited 15 April , 2022 by trajan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Azboater Posted 15 April , 2022 Author Share Posted 15 April , 2022 Julian, Thank you ! I appreciate you answering newbie questions so to delve further, does that mean that this Webley stayed in England during the war, as in a “ Home County” or went to war with a Home County Regiment? As In possibly the “ 2L1” marked above the “HCB” Home County Berkshire? HCB? Home County Bedfordshire? HCB? also, could the backstrap markings “11/14” mean the month and year, or another unit? Very Fascinating…..and this is a Great Forum! Nick Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
o j kirby Posted 15 April , 2022 Share Posted 15 April , 2022 Hello, H. C. B. could also be the initials of the Highland Cyclist Battalion. Cheers, Owain. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Azboater Posted 15 April , 2022 Author Share Posted 15 April , 2022 Thanks Owain forgive my Ignorance there was a motorcycle or Bicycle Batallion? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4thGordons Posted 15 April , 2022 Share Posted 15 April , 2022 (edited) 48 minutes ago, Azboater said: Thanks Owain forgive my Ignorance there was a motorcycle or Bicycle Batallion? Bicycle and my interpretation would be 2/1 Highland Cyclist Battalion (TF) which, according to the Long Long Trail: "2/1st Battalion: Formed in Kirkcaldy in November 1914 as a second line battalion. Remained in Scotland until moving to Ireland in May 1918, where it then remained. In July 1915, it formed the 1st Provisional Cyclist Company.." which would also correspond with the 11/14 date. Chris Edited 15 April , 2022 by 4thGordons add link Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Azboater Posted 15 April , 2022 Author Share Posted 15 April , 2022 Wow Chris amazing information so 2/1 Battalion any thought to the L? Possibly L company? And 37 maybe gun #? Thank You! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4thGordons Posted 15 April , 2022 Share Posted 15 April , 2022 I think the L is being used in place of the / either in error or because they didn’t have an “/“ stamp and this was close. Such things are relatively common. and yes, I would guess 37 ie the weapon or rack number. Chris Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Azboater Posted 15 April , 2022 Author Share Posted 15 April , 2022 Thank You Sir! much appreciated! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thewebleyman Posted 20 October , 2022 Share Posted 20 October , 2022 By my reckoning the numbers 11/14 mean November 1914 and the lettering on the side of the frame equate to 2nd Lt H C B, ie the Officers initials. A bit late to this and apologies if its already been covered. Regards Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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