Military firearms in colonial Western Australia 
79 
Figure 6 The roundel stamped on the butt of the 
Deane, Adams revolver-carbine by the 
Enfield manufactory. Enfield was responsible 
for the supply of the butts of these arms. 
(Photo H.49 W.A.M. History Dept.). 
volunteers, such as light horse, artillery, engineers 
and mounted rifles, their arms were to be marked 
to show the particular branch of the force to which 
they were issued. Thus, "V over W A A over 
number" would be the code for the artillery. "V 
over W A M over number" would be the code for 
the mounted rifles and "V over WAE over 
number" the code for the Engineers etc. etc. It can 
be seen therefore that although not in the 
prescribed order, the initials "W.A.P.M.V." reflects 
the branch of the force the arms were issued to 
more accurately than the "W.A.V." requested by 
Lt. Col. Bruce. This instance of the marking of an 
individual corps identity is one of the few known 
cases of it occurring. "W.A.P.M.V. No." is at odds 
with the strict regulation guidelines and contrary 
to Bruce's instructions but it is reasonable to 
assume that Captain Fawcett's strong personality, 
the isolation of Pinjarra in those days and the 
timidity of a probationary convict all combined to 
produce this decidedly individual marking. 
It appears that these revolver-carbines were not 
very satisfactory, being large and clumsy for 
cavalry. Capt. Fawcett began to request 
replacement arms as early as 1868. In a letter dated 
21st October 1875, the new Commandant, Lt. Col. 
Harvest wrote to the Colonial Secretary concerning 
the P.M.V. He stated that they performed 
creditably but that they had always suffered from 
a deficiency "in every article - arms, uniform and 
equipment", and reported that the men had lately 
been issued with 12 swords and some bridles. He 
included a recommendation for the placing of an 
order for "20 pistols, 5 double rein bridles and 30 
pair riding boots" and enclosed a copy of a letter 
from Captain Fawcett, the P.M.V.'s commander, 
stating the corps position regarding arms. 29 The 
letter stated: 
"Our present Revolver-carbines were part of the 
armament of the convict ship Hugomont (sic) and are 
only serviceable for marines. They were issued in 
1865 and I reported to Colonel Bruce they were 
unsuitable for cavalry (2nd November 1868)."” 
Although Wieck states (p.30) that the P.M.V. 
never received any other arms, it is evident from 
the following correspondence that this is not the 
case. Lt. Col. Harvest wrote again to the Colonial 
Secretary on 26th November 1875: 
"The Pinjarrah Mounted Volunteers have at present 
cumbersome useless pistols (that is, useless for 
mounted infantry) and should be provided with a few 
light revolving pistols". 31 
Subsequent correspondence shows that this 
request was eventually addressed. On 15th 
February 1876 Lt. Col. Harvest, Inspector of 
Volunteers wrote to the Colonial Secretary 
requesting permission to order "Twenty small 
Smith & Wesson No. 2 revolver pistols". 32 A Crown 
Agent (London) letter in reply to the Colonial 
Secretary's order for these arms dated 18th July 
1876 states: 
"...the pistols cannot be supplied not being of service 
pattern. The Crown Agents have already ordered 
from Messrs Blakemore 20 S & W No. 2 Revolvers & 
Rods & 3500 Cartridges at a cost of fifty one pounds 
thirteen shillings". 53 
These revolvers are identified as either Smith & 
Wesson .32 inch calibre rimfire. Number 2 Army 
revolvers, manufactured in the United States 
between 1861 - 1874 or Smith & Wesson .38 inch 
calibre centre fire. Model 2 (Baby Russian) 
revolvers manufactured between 1876 - 1877 34 (see 
Figures 7 and 8). 
On 17th February 1877 Lt. Col. Harvest sent a 
receipt to the Colonial Secretary's Office, it reads 
"Received from Ernest Howard esq. Colonial 
Secretary's Office, the undermentioned for the use 
of the Pinjarrah Mounted Volunteers. 20 Pistols". 35 
On the same day Harvest wrote to Howard 
enquiring about the ammunition: 
"Where is the ammunition for the pistols you have 
sent me? The letter from tire Crown Agents dated 18th 
July 1876 mentioned '20 revolvers and 3500 
cartridges.' I have telegraphed to Capt. Fawcett to call 
at my office for the pistols when he comes to town 
and 1 should like to be able to give him the 
ammunition at the same time. It can be deposited in 
the magazine at the Perth Barracks." 36 
This letter is definite proof that the P.M.V. 
received additional arms after the Deane, Adams 
revolvers, and they appear in the W.A. Returns 
between 1880 - 1882 which record this unit as being 
armed with "Light Cavalry Swords and 
Revolvers". As the number of men rose to 29 in the 
1880 Returns, 37 these additional men must have 
