Revolver Mod 1916 - Italian WWII use?

[SIGNALMAN]

"This is a spanish Hermanos Orbea production, a copy of the Smith & Wesson.
Tettoni was an Italian dealer that imported them in 1916 as a substitute of the Mod. 1889 also known as Bodeo that was in shortage in those years. "
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These were also purchased by the British in WWI, and can be found in .455 cal. or with shaved cylinder in .45acp cal.

Of course the markings are Spanish, with British Proofs. No Italian markings.

[Johnny Peppers]

When you say the pistols were purchased by the British, are you referring to the British military or British civilians? British proofs would indicate commercial sale.

[Alan Smith]

So . . . does anyone know if this revolver would have been procured by the Italian military? Check out the "RP" marking in Photo #3, near the edge of the frame (on the right side of the photo).

I seem to vaguely recall seeing this same "RP" marking on Italian military arms and am wondering if it is an Italian military acceptance mark?

Also, thanks for the good information posted thus far.

[kanister]

This is a military accepted substiture revolver of the 1WW, but in Italy nothing was threw away (also today), so it was in use in 2WW too.

[Alan Smith]

Any ideas on where I might be able to find an original right grip for this pistol, so that it could be put back into its correct as-issued (and as-captured in N. Africa) configuration?

Also, I assume that the holster is Italian military issue?

Anyone happen to have a photo showing such pistols in use by Italian forces in North Africa during WWII?

[kanister]

Any ideas on where I might be able to find an original right grip for this pistol, so that it could be put back into its correct as-issued (and as-captured in N. Africa) configuration?

Also, I assume that the holster is Italian military issue?

Anyone happen to have a photo showing such pistols in use by Italian forces in North Africa during WWII?

1- sorry, no ideas.
2- yes.
3- sorry, no photo

[kanister]

Any ideas on where I might be able to find an original right grip for this pistol, so that it could be put back into its correct as-issued (and as-captured in N. Africa) configuration?

Try here:

http://www.blitzkriegmilitaria-forum...hlight=tettoni

[SIGNALMAN]

When you say the pistols were purchased by the British, are you referring to the British military or British civilians? British proofs would indicate commercial sale.

They were used by the British Military. I assume a broad arrow stamp to be a military proof mark.

[Johnny Peppers]

They were used by the British Military. I assume a broad arrow stamp to be a military proof mark.

The British broad arrow stamp is a property mark.

[Stan (papabyrd)]

The Italian's did use this revolver but they were in 10.3 MM cal. The british is in 455 cal. and they made them for civilians In all of Smith& Wession's cals.I have one in 10.3 MM and another in 32-20 Winchester cal.They are very well made guns but do not sell very high. If any one has a 10.3 MM cal and would like to shoot it you can make shells for it from 44 Russian ammo.All you have to do is run the 44 R. through a British 303 sizeing die and it makes a 10.3 MM shell. Hope this helps someone . papabyrd

[Stan (papabyrd)]

They sell for $2 00.00 to about $350.00 in Alabama.
The grips are made from horn and a lot of them have bug damage.