The German Luger has a characteristic shape, especially its grip and toggle joint breech. In movies, they are often used by ‘bad guys’. Innovative at the time of its introduction in 1900, adoption by certain European nations make it a choice collector’s item. Many were brought back from Europe too, as souvenirs by returning servicemen from both world wars.

These longarms are synonymous with Switzerland, renowned for fine quality in production and accuracy. The family is unique with a straight-pull action and ring cocking piece. The government factory, Eidgenossische Waffen-Fabrik Bern which commenced in 1875, saw over one million Schmidt-Rubin rifles made, commencing with the Model 1889. Its distinctive logo consists of a cross in relief, within a shield or starburst.

In service, the No.5 rifle was not called a ‘jungle carbine’, this was likely marketing by Santa Fe Arms Corporation and other U.S. dealers when they were selling their surplus military stock. The U.S. gun magazine advertisements from the 1950s certainly corroborate this. Nevertheless, it certainly can be classified as a ‘carbine’ and it was designed as a shorter, lighter firearm for jungle fighting at the end of World War 2. So its nickname fits it well.

The Webley revolver is recognised in some quarters as an emblem of the British Empire, in the realm of service handguns at least. The Webley was first approved for Her Majesty’s service in 1887, manufactured and supplied by P. Webley & Son. The first contract was for 10,000 revolvers priced at £3/1/- each and the initial batch of 2,000 to 3,000 pistols were supplied within the first eight months after the contract was signed in July of 1887.