I am sorting through my great grandpa's old stuff from WW1 that is choking up the attic.
I have found his old service revolver from WW1, where he fought as Marine at Gallipoli (fitting seeing as it's ANZAC day today, eh?!), nestled in grease-proof paper and tied up in an old biscuit tin.
It looks to be in pretty good condition, though I know nothing of guns, and after checking it was unloaded I fired it; the action works perfectly from what I can gather.
I know that is illegal for me to have this weapon in the UK despite the fact that (I believe) the ammunition is now obsolete (it's a .455 Webley revolver).
I'd love to keep it purely as a memory of him and the Gallipoli campaign in which he lost his life- he was captured on the beach and tortured to death by the Turkish Army.
Do you think that if I just kept my mouth shut and kept it hidden away then that would be OK? I'd hate to lose it- after all, it's been hidden away safely for the last century!
2007-04-25 01:56:38 · 21 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Other - Society & Culture
I have a lot more stuff too, old medals, pictures, photographs, uniform etc etc, and do not want to get rid of any of it. The gun is just particularly special as I think it's quite rare.
All of his equipment was brought bought home by his younger brother, who was wounded trying to prevent my great grandpa's capture- it must have been horrific for him to have seen and have only kit to bring home, no body.
What do you think? Thanks
2007-04-25 01:59:20 · update #1
In responce to the answer regarding how the gun came to end up back home, I can only presume that he did not have it on his person when he was taken hostage; I believe that revolvers formed a part of dress, rather than field, uniform for Marines in WW1- but I may be wrong!
2007-04-25 02:04:17 · update #2
Are there rules regarding historical artifacts? WWI vintage weapons and other artifacts are of historical significance.
There are ways to render weapons harmless and have them mounted and framed for wall decorations.
I really feel sorry for you folks in the UK. You are really no longer able to defend yourselves against the thugs who commit "home invasion" robbery and other crimes. At least we in the USA still have our rights, although they are slowly being eroded out from under us.
2007-04-25 02:09:47 · answer #1 · answered by WhatAmI? 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you go to the police you are unlikely to be able to keep it without having it decommissioned. Although I understand why you want to keep it you also have lots of other souvenirs. Whilst it may have been hidden away, if it is not kept in a secure and locked place it could still fall into the wrong hands and then I am sure you would be very upset if the gun was then used to take someones life. I'#d say at the end of the day it's your call!
2007-04-25 02:58:59 · answer #2 · answered by LillyB 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if i was to be in your position i would think of the reasons why i want it and the reasons why i should not have it.
if it means something to you keep it. if it is not that sentimental to you sell it on to a museum.
you could talk to the police but they could take it from you.
personally i would keep it. though i don't know how close your family are so its hard to say what you should do. only you can make the final decision really.
it would be a story that you could hold within your family and let it pass through the generations.
2007-04-25 02:29:07 · answer #3 · answered by tilly 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Keeping your mouth shut about the weapon would be the first thing to do. As multiculturalism takes control of your country the Islamic faction will count on the British people being unarmed to enable them to use coercion to bring England down.
2007-04-25 02:12:01 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
No, i would report it to the cops. I would find out how i should go about keeping the gun as a memento or something. Maybe you will need a license. Better to find out , it think. Just remember it may have been hidden for ages but you never know something may go wrong, somebody might break into your house and when the cops search it they will find the gun and then you will be deep , deep in the uhmmm poo.
2007-04-25 02:01:35 · answer #5 · answered by Duisend-poot 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I found a ww2 gun in my grandpas house when i was clearing it out after his death. My uncle (the idiot he is) concluded that it no longer worked after he tried to fire it in the kitchen so we handed it into the police to dispose of it properly.
You could hold onto it....but make sure no one knows or you could get into a lot of trouble if the police find out you have it.
2007-04-25 02:26:11 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
The sentance for possession is very severe, even if innocent, such as yours. You should inform the Police or try and see if you can have it de-commisioned to keep. Be careful, the authorities have means of tracking these questions to the writer.
2007-04-25 02:03:06 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
It will be lovely to keep. A certified gunsmith can make it harmless so that you cannot fire it. he will be able to advise you as to whether you require a permit. Failing that it might be as well to explain everything to the police. It seems you have come across a lovely family heirloom. Good luck to you.
2007-04-25 02:05:14 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I'd have the gun de activated which is done by fixing the firing mechanism.
All the other stuff needs storing carefully.You could take it to a
dealer in militaria for advice.
2007-04-25 03:08:37 · answer #9 · answered by HELEN LOOKING4 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Ring the local nick and ask them to come and look at it - they may not seize it but may recommend a place that it can be made safe - don't keep it unless you feel you can 100% guarantee it won't fall into the wrong hands - it's not worth it.
2007-04-25 02:01:16 · answer #10 · answered by jamand 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋