“This revolver was issued to Norman Hugh Hanna, an Auckland Solicitor, when he was granted a commission in the Royal Horse Artillery in 1915. He bought it for £4 from the Armoury in the Tower of London, this being a required purchase by all officers in taking up their first appointment on active service.

He served on the Western Front with the British 35th Division until the end of the hostilities, and brought the pistol with him on his return to New Zealand.

These revolvers fired lead bullets. They were withdrawn from service in the Second World War after the Germans protested at their use and threatened to use them against any soldier captured with this type of ammunition.” Note: in fact the Mk VI Webley was officially replaced in 1932 after the army switched to .38 inch calibre handguns but many remained in use during WW2.