ARMS COLLECTORS’ ASSOCIATION OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY INC. (ACANT) The EXECUTIVE & COMMITTEE: 20082009 President – Tony Orr Vice President – Brian Dudley Secretary – Ellen Pitts Treasurer – Michael Pitts Territory Public Officer – Ron James Committee –Don Davie, Craig Wharton, Ann Wharton
ACANT Alice Springs Branch PO Box 189 PO Box 4108 Arms Palmerston NT 0821 Alice Springs NT 0870
Telephone (Secretary) Col Jarrett (08) 8932 1759 (08) 8952 6261 Collector Email: [email protected] ACANT general meetings are held at the SSAA Club House at the Mickett Creek Shooting Complex at 7.30 pm on the second Thursday of each month. Approval is sought from the Commissioner of Police for every second meeting, commencing with the January meeting, to be preceded by an authorised collectors’ shoot. Under current arrangements, firearms held on a NEWSLETTER OF THE collector’s licence, including H Class firearms but excluding proscribed ARMS COLLECTORS’ ASSOCIATION items, may be discharged at approved shoots, which are conducted at SSAA Range 2 commencing at 4.30 pm. Meals are provided at moderate cost after OF THE NORTHERN TERRITORY the shoots, and access to SSAA bar facilities is then available. Both the SSAA and ACANT attendance registers must be signed.
ACANT CALENDAR 2009 08 Jan Colts & Webleys Shoot 09 Jul Mauser v Lee Enfield Shoot DECEMBER 2008 12 Feb Percussion & Flint 13 Aug Military & Police Handguns 12 Mar Martinis & Sniders Shoot 10 Sep European Sporters Shoot 09 Apr Edged Weapons 08 Oct Artillery, Mortars, Mines 14 May Big Game Rifles Shoot 12 Nov Smith & Wessons Shoot 11 Jun Rimfire, Rook & Parlor 10 Dec Cased Shotguns Xmas Party
1 WANTED John Wilkes featured bold scroll engraving. A ‘modern’ double rifle Anything to do with artillery or other ordnance: shell cases, projectiles, in the form of a .577 Light Nitro fuzes, fuze setters, tools, inert training rounds, sights etc. Have you got was built on a Greener ‘Empire’ something lying around that you might like to part with? Please give me a shotgun action. Chambered for the call. I have a particular interest in tank and antitank guns, but am keen on 8 x 57 JR cartridge, a Westley anything to do with artillery of all eras. Richards side by side double rifle Jared Archibald (w) 89998292; (h) 89884562; [email protected] had a tangent rear sight graduated If you happen to have something that you are not quite sure of I should be from 100 to 600 yards and was No. 2 of a pair. A fine Holland & Holland able to identify it. If you have an item that you think might be “live”, let me cased side by side, nonejector sidelock rifle in .500/450 Magnum Nitro know as I have contacts with the Explosive Ordnance Disposal people in Express was of 1905 manufacture. Defence. They can make sure an item is safe, and if it is not, can deal with it in a professional and safe manner. OCTOBER, NOVEMBER & DECEMBER MEETINGS October: Double Rifles The ‘Double Rifles’ theme produced a display of nine British double rifles. The oldest was a .450 calibre side by side hammer rifle manufactured by E.M. Reilly & Co. of London. A The other long arms on display Tolley toplever hammer were an interesting drilling with rifle was a close second with two 16 bore barrels over an 8 x 57 its antiquated .500/.450 x 3½ JR barrel manufactured by Stahl & chambering, and patent ‘Giant Grip’ third bite. Bridging the gap between Berger of Hamburg, and a pristine the black powder and nitro express eras, a Rodda crystalindicator sidelock example of Ruger’s magnum bolt was marked ‘CO EX’ indicating action rifle chambered for Holland proof for the cordite equivalent of & Holland’s classic .375 Belted the .577/.500 No.2 cartridge. Magnum cartridge. A .450/.400 double rifle by Army The only pistol displayed was a and Navy C. S. Ltd. with one wellused Mauser C96 in 7.63 mm standing and two folding rear sights and notable for its unusual safety was typical of the plain but catch. An item giving rise to much serviceable rifles and shotguns speculation as to its identity was a purveyed by the company and Wrench, breech piece, 3 inch found in large numbers throughout mortar, 1944. The wrench was used the British Empire. A cased Jeffery on the Ordnance, ML, 3inch boxlock double chambered for the Mortar, a most effective Infantry 3inch version of that cartridge was battalion weapon in British and engraved with prowling tigers, and Commonwealth service from a cased Manton .470 NE built by between the wars to the late 1960s. 2 3 Again, a relic of the 19391945 War was tabled. Several .303 rounds in a disintegrating belt were found at the wartime Sattler Air Strip running parallel to the Stuart Highway at about the 20 Mile. An unusual collection of survival equip ment issued to United States air crews in the 1980s included weapons and a wide range of items from de hydrated food to communications equipment and other gear designed to assist downed airmen. Two uniforms were of particular interest. One was the camouflage uniform of a lance corporal paratrooper in the former Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN). The other was the flying suit, helmet and associated in the late 19 th Century and the first model was designed by Charles equipment issued to Lieutenant Colonel J. C. Pross, Francois Galand. They were carried by cyclists and the idea was that a United States Marine Corps (USMC), Commanding cyclist menaced by a dog could fire a warning shot, and if that had no effect, Officer of VMFA 212 ‘Lancers’. This excellent presentation was judged to could then take more drastic measures. Imagine that on your local street be the most interesting or unusual item on display, earning its owner the today! monthly $25 award. The other European revolver was a Nagant Model 1895 produced in 1912. November: European Handguns While the Nagant was the principal Russian sidearm for a considerable There was a fine response to the theme of ‘European Handguns’ and a good period and was well made, it utilized a loading gate and was already behind display of a range of other items. While it is pleasing that some members are the times when introduced into service. The Nagant was also used in committed to bringing items for display, it is known that other members military and/or police service in Sweden, Norway, Poland and France but have items that would be of considerable interest that have never been only the Russian model had the gas check feature whereby the cylinder presented. Members are urged to share items in their collections with their moved forward on cocking to form a seal with the barrel. fellowmembers at meetings. Bill Ruger was responsible for two moremodern revolvers on display, a The oldest pistols tabled stainless steel, black powder ‘Old Army’ model and a centrefire ‘Security were two Velo Dog revol Six’ chambered for the .357 Magnum cartridge. vers. The smaller was cham German handgun manufacturers were represented by models ranging from bered for the 5.5 mm Velo the late 19 th Century to the later years of the 20th century. Early models Dog cartridge (slightly less were two Mauser C96s – a ‘Bolo’ and a ‘Broom Handle’ – and an Artillery powerful than the .22 LR) Luger P08 engraved ‘Erfurt 1917’. The Luger had a replacement rear sight and the other was in .32 of unknown provenance located on the barrel and graduated to a particularly calibre. Both lacked a trigger ambitious 600 metres. The barrel was engraved HALLARMS on the right guard but had a folding trig side and ADELAIDE on the left. This firm is not known to the editors and ger and a safety catch. Neither had any indication of maker or place and year any information on the company would be appreciated. of manufacture. The Velo Dog revolvers were produced, mainly in Belgium, 4 5 Produced in more recent times and of a novel design, a Heckler & Koch – a MannlicherSchönauer carbine in 8 x 57S with fulllength stock and Model HK4 came in a box complete with barrels chambered for .22, 6.35 fitted with a Zeiss DiavariZ telescopic sight in 1.5–6 x 42 and a CZ 550 mm, 7.65 mm and 9 mm Kurz cartridges and appropriate magazines. ‘Safari Magnum’ made in the United States and chambered for the .458 Lott wildcat cartridge. A freelanced .41 calibre, breechloading, blackpowder cannon gave evidence of considerable skill in metalworking and no lack of ingenuity. A .44 Magnum case was used but ignition was by percussion cap. A bomb for the British 3inch mortar manufactured in 1945 was complete with a transit plug. Also in the ordnance line were a fired 105 mm shell and two igniters for the current Army 155 mm Howitzer artillery piece. Two pistol holsters, one of leather and the other synthetic, rounded off the display. The $25 award for the most Other European semiautomatic pistols included two Berettas, one interesting or unusual display went chambered for the .22 LR cartridge and the other, a Model 1934, for the 9 to the Heckler & Koch HK4 pistol mm Corto cartridge, a Star pistol in for its choice of four calibres. 7.63 mm Mauser fitted with a wooden stockholster, a Unique in December: Sniper Rifles .22 LR and a Margolin .22 LR in a The theme of ‘Sniper Rifles’ produced an excellent display of four examples case with accessories. European of the genre. Most outstanding was a 7.62 x 51 calibre Rifle, L42A1 D71 semiauto handguns of more recent vintage were a CZ75 in 9 x 19 mm, a Steyr M9 and a Llama ‘Extra’ in the same calibre, and a cased Tanfoglio ‘The Ultra’ chambered for the modern .41 Action Express cartridge. The sole United States semiautomatic pistol on display was a Ruger P85 in 9 mm Parabellum. Also on display was a modern replica stockholster for the Mauser C96 with a leather harness, complete with cleaning tool and spare spring. Both the stockholster and the harness were very well made. The three rifles presented attracted considerable interest. On the military complete with Sight, Telescopic, No. 32 and Case, Sight, Telescopic, No. 8 side, a MosinNagant lacked the integral bayonet but was otherwise in what Mk 1; all contained in a Chest, Rifle 762 mm, L42A1. Two No. 4 Rifles appeared to be unissued condition. Two sporting rifles were both impressive
6 7 were representative of British .303 calibre sniper rifles. One was a Mark I of Long Branch manufacture fitted with a Canadian No. 32, Mk II telescopic sight and the other was of 1943 manufacture complete with a No. 32, Mk III scope. A MosinNagant sniper and a Swedish m/41B, both in very good condition, have been review previously in the Newsletter. sling swivels. It was allegedly one of a consignment sent from Nepal to Three modern rifles shown were not Canada and they are said to have been an issue to the Nepalese Royal military sniping rifles but were Guard. Chambering was for the customary .577 Snider cartridge. certainly designed for accurate shooting. Two were based on The only pistol displayed was a DWM Luger Remington M700 actions and the P08 of 1918 manufacture in rather good other was a Sako Mk III. One condition for its age. A Holloway & Co. 12 Remington was chambered for the gauge doublebarrel, hammer shotgun had a .308 WCF cartridge and carried a poor bore but very neat engraving. Leupold 39x40 scope and a bipod. Other items on show were an interesting The other Remington was much modified with a heavy stainless steel barrel collection of 12 gauge slugs and a shell for and an alloy skeleton stock. It the 6pdr antitank gun. The 6pdr replaced the 2pdr in British and was chambered for the wildcat Commonwealth service during the 19391945 War, and was in turn replaced 6 mm cartridge based on the by the 17pdr gun. Throughout the war, British antitank ordnance was Winchester .284 case. The challenged by improvements to German tank armour and it came down to Sako .308 had a fluted designing shells with more effective penetrating characteristics. stainlesssteel barrel and a As may be seen from the foregoing, it is becoming more and more difficult bipod and was complete with to select the most interesting or unusual item displayed. This is to the credit accessories. of members who are presenting a diverse range of items. In the end, the A Ludwig Loewe Mauser Snider attracted the award ($50 for Christmas) for both its condition and 1896 rifle was of particular putative history. interest in that the butt was carved with details of the Members are reminded that while each Monthly Meeting has a theme, owner. He was S. C. Bekker displays are not limited to that theme and all items that might be of Kwariefontein (?) in the considered to be of interest are most welcome. ZuidAfrikaansche Repub liek (ZAR) of the Transvaal. CHRISTMAS PARTY 2008 It is assumed that Bekker served with the Boer forces against the British. The December meeting was a short one, as is Two other rifles were excellent examples of their type. A Mannlicher becoming something of an ACANT tradition, to Schönauer M1910 takedown rifle was chambered for the 9.5 x 56 MS make way for the Christmas Party. Nevertheless, cartridge. In very good condition, it was unusual in that the stock had no we found time to present Karel Zeeman with his chequering. A commercial Snider by J. C. and A. Lord and in very good life membership! All in all, arms collectors condition was particularly unusual in that it was 'in the white' and fitted with collectively had had a good year, with no looming 8 9 ARTICLES The feature articles this month describe interesting items from members’ collections: a wellused .22 rifle with Territory provenance, and an under lever hammer shotgun retailed by a wellknown Australian gunsmith. Part 1 of an introductory article on military small arms evolution is also included.
Winchester Model 1902 ‘Boys’ Rifle from the collection of Jared Archibald This little rifle came into my possession in a strange way. I was in Alice Springs last year and an older work colleague said to come around to his place as he had some bits and pieces he wanted to dispose of. I duly It wasn’t attended and was given a steel opened until I ammo crate and told returned home. When “that should keep political issues or perceived threats to our chosen pursuits. Consequently the I did I found all sorts of you quiet!” mood during the evening was buoyant and convivial, a fitting start to the gear: WW11 water bottles, festive season! geodes, .410 ammo, stone tools, Thanks are due to Craig, Steve and Ellen for supplying the wonderful spread an air pump for bait, a cutdown of nibblies, and to Brian for the wine selection. Thanks also to those who hooked quillon bayonet, lots of other contributed to the success of the evening in other ways, especially by bits and pieces, and this little rifle in pieces. helping to decimate the nibblies and wine! A fine time was had by all. It took a little while to realise what it was and that all the bits were there, and then I put it together. Earlier this year I saw him again and asked about it. He told me the following: The rifle was purchased new in Adelaide in the 1920s by Tom Gorey, a young bloke who was visiting ‘the bigsmoke’ from Alice Springs. It spent its entire working life on Allambi Station – a cattle run situated about 120 km southeast of Alice Springs. Due to its handy size, it became the ‘homestead gun’ – left around the singlemens quarters and other places loaded with ratshot – ready to deal with snakes, rats, and other vermin. It was never cleaned – just used on an asneeded basis. Tom sold Allambi in 197071 and during the cleanup my colleague was given the gun for old time’s sake. As an aside, Tom Gorey purchased a new Ford Falcon GTHO with part of the proceeds of the sale! The Winchester Model 1902 is a single shot, .22 calibre bolt action rifle with a pullback type cocking mechanism. It was an improved version of the Model 1900 – a John Browning design. They were built between 1902 and 1931 with over 600,000 being produced. They were aimed squarely at the youth (boys) market, and gave boys a small, lightweight, but accurate rifle with which they could learn firearm skills and hone them as they grew. 10 11 Winchester even began the A Shotgun with Connections Winchester Junior Rifle to W. E. Ekins, Adelaide Gunsmith Corps which encouraged from the collection of youth marksmanship com Bruce Keeley petitions and provided A few years back I entered a postal tender in an Arms and Antiques sale. I medals, certificates and had an interest in obtaining an under lever hammer shotgun and much to my other items as incentives and surprise, I had a win. prizes. At its height in the 1920s, there were over The gun in question was a 12 gauge 2 ½ inch black powder underlever 300,000 members of the hammer shotgun with Damascus barrels. Obviously a Birmingham trade WJRC. It was an inspired gun, it was in good condition with all its original fittings. As can be marketing strategy which introduced generations of young men to the joys expected of a gun of this age, there was some pitting in one barrel and a and skills of hunting and target shooting. crack in the butt plate from an overtightened screw, but on the whole it represented good value for money as a collector’s piece and a shooter with This particular rifle was produced somewhere between 1904 and 1913 as care. proven by its hard rubber butt plate and being chambered for .22 Short and .22 Long rounds. A more accurate build date cannot be determined due to these rifles not being stamped with serial numbers. From 1914, these rifles were also chambered for .22 Extra Long (what we now know as .22 Long Rifle). Although in fairly poor condition this rifle is nonetheless an interesting piece with an NT provenance. As to the finer points of the gun, the 30 inch barrels choked modified and full have a nice brown patina with very little exterior rust, and the rib extension supports a dolls head. The buttstock shows a nice grain and the snapon foreend has the obligatory horn insert. The standing breech has a plain grey finish with rebounding hammers, although the firing pins are not bushed. Metal to wood finish is good overall with no cracks in the wood work. The butt plate appears to be bakelite with a Germanicstyle scene of three dogs bringing a boar to bail. The underside of one barrel is stamped “not for ball”. What makes this gun a little more interesting is the provenance attached to it. On the top rib is engraved “W E Ekins, King William St, Adelaide S A”. The back action locks also have “W E Ekins, Adelaide” engraved on them but this appears to have been done at a later date as the lettering is larger than on the rib. William Emery Ekins was a prominent Adelaide gunsmith born in North References: Adelaide in 1853 to George and Mary Anne Ekins. William was Guns and Ammo Magazine “Questions and Answers” January 2006 apprenticed to “The Practical English Gunmaker” R. Marjoram who had a Miller, MJM, July 2008, Guns Magazine – Article: “A young’un’s gun: the business at 37A King William Street. Ekins became a partner in the Winchester Model 40A single shot .22 rifle” business and eventually bought out his partner in 1878. William Emery Ekins died in 1937 but the business was carried on by his son Archie as The HighRoad.Org Forum – Rifle Country: “Questions & Answers on general manger until his death in 1959. Archie’s son Dennis, together with Winchester 22”
Reference: “The Ekins Story 1882 – 1969” by Dennis Daley.
Introduction to Military Small Arms Evolution by Ron James Before we start, it should be noted that this is an introduction to military small arms, and by no means an exhaustive analysis of the subject. Much has been left out but it is hoped the most relevant and pertinent developments have been included, such that the reader will come to appreciate the role that small arms development has played in human affairs. Emphasis will be placed on shoulderfired arms for the most part since they have probably played the most important role in deciding the outcomes of battles and wars since the 16th century. Part 1: The Handgun It appears William Emery Ekins was a man of many talents, from being considered one of the best shots around Adelaide to winning an Order of That said, the first small arm on record appears to have been a small, metal Merit at the 1887 Adelaide Jubilee International Exhibition for a display of tube attached to a stock or handle balanced on a forked stick and ignited guns, pistols and other implements. He also held patents for an automatic with a slow burning match. The handgun, or “hand gonne” as it was called cartridge loading machine, wind gauge, and elevating rifle sight, and by its Germanic inventor, was awkward, inaccurate and slow to reload. produced his own line of shotgun cartridges. From all accounts William In order to fire this contraption, was considered not only a fine gunsmith but also a very competent gun one hand was employed to align maker. the tube with the target, while the A more detailed account of the Ekins business can be found in “The Ekins other held the match to ignite the Story 18821969” by Dennis Daley, which was used as a reference for this powder charge thereby article. propelling a lead ball or even a small rock towards the intended target. In this sense, it differed very little from the artillery pieces of the era, which were larger tubes of metal or wood wrapped in metal strapping intended to propel large stones against enemy fortifications or Of course the final test was to try the gun out! swarms of smaller stones against enemy infantry formations. Firstly some lowbrass compressionformed Winchester cases were trimmed from 2 ¾ to 2 ½ inches. Wads, overpowder and overshot cards were duly Next Instalment: Part 2: The Matchlock acquired, and in deference to the pitting in the barrel, a reduced load of 2F 15 14