The Armoury - Waltham Abbey Royal Gunpowder Mills

Orbea .38" Largo (Copy of S & W)

Orbea .38

Description

A direct copy of the Smith & Wesson in .38 calibre made for the Spanish Army. The Orbea factory made very thinly-disguised copies of both Colt and Smith & Wesson. Whilst not as good as the originals the Orbea versions sold well in Latin America and were snapped up by all the allies in World War One. The company failed to survive the Spanish Civil War but its products went on to be used in World War Two. Cylinder holds 6 rounds. Double and single action.

Marks and Stamps: (Top and L side of Barrel) ORBEA Y CIA SENC - EIBAR CAL 38 LARGO (L side of frame) OH Trademark (R side of frame) FABRICACION ESPANIOLA (Base of butt strap) Serial no.

Specifications

Accession Number: 100 Period of Use:
Type: Revolver War Zones: Mexico; First World War; Spanish Civil War; Second World War
Country of Origin: Spain Type Date: 1905?
Manufacturer: Orbea y Hermanos, Eibar Serial Number: E 362316
Manufacture Date: Unknown Calibre/Ammunition: 0.38" 'Largo'
Weight: Length Overall:
Cyclic Rate: revolver Length Barrel:
Deactivation Certificate Number: DA 30228

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