revolver, percussion

human history

Deane Harding double action five shot revolver (cased) that belonged to the Late Ensign McKenna VC, 65th Regiment.

.1 revolver: five-shot; double action; solid frame; percussion; .440 inch calibre; wooden grips

markings: maker’s name on lock: “DEANE & SON, LONDON BRIDGE”; London proof & view marks on cylinder and barrel; serial number on cylinder and frame “6837 L”

.2 case: wooden case; internal compartments lined with green baize; brass hinges and metal lockplate; printed paper label inside lid: LARGE STOCK OF SECOND HAND / SILVER PLATE, JEWELLS, ETC / [Royal Coat of Arms with HONI SOIT QUI MAL Y PENSE] / EDWARD WHISTLER / Gun & Pistol Repository / 11 Strand Trafalgar Square / Directly opposite the Golden Cross Hotel / NEW & SECOND HAND GUNS BY THE MOST APPROVED / London Makers / GUNS ETC. BOUGHT OR TAKEN IN EXCHANGE

Last Update: 23 Dec 2025

Other Name

Deane Harding five chamber percussion revolver (full name)

Ensign Edward McKenna VC, 65th Regiment, NZ Wars (associated name)

Place

London/England

Associated Place

New Zealand

Camerontown/South Auckland/New Zealand

Accession Date

1912

Other Id

W1437 (war)

12702 (ethnology)

Department

History

War History

Associated Notes

Deane Harding double action five shot revolver that belonged to Ensign Edward McKenna VC, 65th Regiment

Ensign Edward McKenna, 65th Regiment

Born in Leeds, 15 February 1827, Edward McKenna enlisted with the 65th Regiment in 1854. He served in Australia and New Zealand and was awarded the Victoria Cross for bravery during an incident that occurred near Cameron Town on 7 September 1863. He was a Colour-Sergeant at the time and was subsequently promoted as an Ensign.

citation:

"On 7 September 1863 near Camerontown, New Zealand, after both his officers had been shot, Colour-Sergeant McKenna, with a small force, heavily outnumbered by the enemy, charged through their position with the loss of one man killed and one missing. The colour-sergeant's coolness and intrepidity amply justified the confidence placed in him by the soldiers brought so suddenly under his command."

While in New Zealand Edward McKenna married Elizabeth (Lizzie) Gordon, also of the 65th Regiment. When the regiment returned to England Edward took his discharge in New Zealand, and took up employment with the Railways Department.He died in Palmerston North on 8 June 1908

revolver, percussion

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