Mk VIII 21 inch torpedo arming pistol

Oval shaped metal and copper arming pistol for a Mk 8 21 inch torpedo. Impressed into the top front of the pistol and highlighted with black ink is '21" C.C.R. PISTOL. MK1** MOD.1.' A round aperture with a glass cover is on the top right through which can been an instrument for what appears to be measuring distance travelled while fitted to the torpedo. On the front of the pistol in large red ink has been stamped 'IMPACT ONLY' below this in black ink has been stamped in smaller text '1000 YARDS S.R.'. Below this is impressed with black ink 'POINTER END / FLUSH-DETS "OUT" / FLUSH-DETS "IN"' with a small arrow pointing from the word 'IN' towards a red tipped rod. The word 'IN' is also printed in red ink. The red tipped brass rod forms part of an arming mechanism with a double armed spade attachment and a revolving brass piece. A serial number 'T 873E' has been impressed into the surface of the pistol between the double armed spade. There are several circular proofing marks and broad arrow are stamped into the face next to the spade and revolving brass piece. Below the revolving brass piece is impressed with black ink 'T.491D B.E.8006 11-44'. A loose brass clip is with the arming pistol, it's purpose appears to be to secure the spade and revolving brass piece and prevent movement during storage and transit. Around the top edge of the arming pistol are eight circular attachment holes. The body of the pistol has been largely painted aluminium and consists of intricate wiring, metal and brass mechanisms. On each side of the body is attached a clear protective plastic cover.

This torpedo arming pistol is a type example from the submarine launched Mk 8 (Mark VIII) 21 inch torpedo which was first introduced into British service in 1925. The full torpedo measures 533mm (21 inches) in diameter and is 6.6 metres long. It carries a 365kg Torpex explosive warhead in the nose and is capable of moving at 41 knots (76km/h) for 10,000 metres or at 35 knots (65 km/h) for 13,700 metres. This torpedo type was used heavily during the Second World War onboard Royal Navy submarines and torpedo boats and it saw service up to the 1980s with many Western navies around the world including the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). The Mk8 was last operationally during the Falklands conflict where a Royal Navy Submarine, the HMS Conqueror sank the Argentinian cruiser Belgrano with a pair Mk8 21 inch torpedoes. It was the standard anti-ship torpedo of many Western Navies including the Royal Australian Navy where it was used onboard RAN Oberon 'O boat' class submarines alongside other torpedo types and encapsulated Harpoon missiles.