| Accession Number | AWM2016.383.1 |
|---|---|
| Collection type | Technology |
| Object type | Firearm |
| Maker |
Fabrique Nationale d'Armes de Guerre |
| Place made | Belgium |
| Date made | 1910 |
| Conflict |
First World War, 1914-1918 |
Browning Model 1910 pistol: 1603 Frederick Griffiths Taylor Walker
Description
Browning Model 1910 semi automatic pistol. The pistol is missing both its side grips, and evidences slight corrsion over much of the handgrip and barrel. A bullet strike is evident on the left side of the handle. This damage has destroyed the pistol's functionality.
History / Summary
This pistol was being worn by Walker in a holster on his right hip during the battle of the Somme, when it was struck by a bullet.
Walker, a motor mechanic before the War, enlisted on 17 April 1915, aged 25, joining the 19th Battallion AIF. He was promoted to Company Sergeant Major in the 2nd Pioneer Battalion, 2nd Division on 12 April 1916 and to Second Lieutenant on 26 August 1916. On 16 November 1916 he was shot in the abdomen, but returned to duty in January 1917. He returned to Australia in July 1919.
This type of pistol was used to assassinate Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria in Sarajevo on 28 June 1914.