Prideaux Patent 6 Round ‘Rapid Loader’ For Webley .455 Calibre Service Revolvers Rapid Loader’ For Webley .455 Calibre Service Revolvers With 6 Inert Deactivated

British WD Inter War 1919 Dated Prideaux Patent 6 Round ‘Rapid Loader’ For Webley .455 Calibre Service Revolvers With 6 Inert Deactivated Rounds Of .455 Calibre Ammunition. Sn 17999:4 - 17999:4

Developed just before WW1 by William de Courcy Prideaux, these speed loaders designated ‘Rapid loaders’ were all steel construction & were an improvement to his Patent of 1914 and were used for speed loading the Military .455 Revolvers (see page 245 of Webley revolvers by Bruce & Reinhart’ where a Prideaux rapid loader with a case the same as ours is illustrated). By exerting downward pressure the cartridges are released into the chambers. Our example is in excellent condition with no rust or damage and is fully functional. Commercial versions had Prideaux patent information stamped on the handle. Our British War Dept version is correctly without Prideaux patent detail and has correct markings ‘ WD arrow P-L2 & Crown 55B inspection mark’ together with 1919 date. The 6 inert deactivated .455 calibre rounds have brass cases and conical lead bullets. Some of the head stamps are visible ‘Eley 455’. The loader and rounds are held in their period brown leather case with hinged lid, retaining strap that fastens to a brass stud and rear belt loop. All leather and stitching of the case are clean and intact. The price for this rare piece includes UK delivery. NB No licence is required to own the inert deactivated rounds in the UK. Sn 17999:4

£675.00