This fact from history may seem inexplicable and strange - because we are frequently assured by politicians and the Police executive (not Orwells '1984' 'Ministry Of Truth') - that the NZ Police have a long history of being an unarmed law enforcement force.
- Perhaps they are just 'mistaken'.
You should be able to make-out the N80Z government marking stamped on the above example.
These six inch octagonal barrel double action, centre-fire Tranter revolvers have a 5 groove R.H. twist bore - and were an advanced design when compared with the classic Colt 1873 SAA Peacemaker - which was single-action and remained the US military arm until 1892.
The Tranter 1878 loaded and ejected through a rear loading gate - and was withdrawn from British service in 1881.
A Display of .450" Cartridges.
Velocity with a 225 grain bullet was 650 ft./sec. black-powder (13grains) to 700 ft./sec. smokeless.
British and European handgun design moved forward rapidly in this era when compared to US.
William Tranter (1816-1890) had by his retirement secured 24 firearms patents and 19 cartridge patents including the early British patent for rim-fire cartridges.
Hone Riiwi* Toia with four Supporters (Hokianga Maori) arrested May 1898 by The Armed Constabulary.
(He was imprisoned for 10 months - having given himself up - on "Conspiracy" charges
- for opposing a 'dog tax' of 2 shillings & 6 pence').
- for opposing a 'dog tax' of 2 shillings & 6 pence').
*Riiwi was grandson of a Jewish trader 'Levy'.
William Tranter was associated variously with other arms makers - notably Hollis Bros., Kerr, Adams, Beaumont, and Braedlin and his factory was finally taken-over by George Kynoch.
- He was a Founding Director of British Small Arms (BSA) Ltd. He built some Henry Carbines and rifles in his plants.
Known users of Tranters guns are Allan Pinkerton (Pinkerton Detective Agency - known to have carried two.), Dr. Richard Jordan Gatling, the US Civil War Confederate General James Stuart, Australian 'Bushranger' Ben Hall, and the fictional Sherlock Holmes .. and the New Zealand Armed Constabulary.
.. The first official New Zealand Police were New South Wales troopers who accompanied Governor Hobson (landed 31 January 1840) .. and the first 'local' force formed was Auckland Armed Police established 9 October 1846.
Marty K.
P.S. - I have mentioned the guns of this maker before, on 13 April 1994 'History: Tranter & Kerr Patent Revolvers'.
Rod says:
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Thanks for commenting .. I'm pleased that you enjoyed it.
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