Welrod

The Welrod is a British bolt-action, magazine-fed pistol with an integrated suppressor that was devised for covert operations during the Second World War by Major Hugh Reeves at the Inter-Services Research Bureau (later Station IX). Station IX was based in Welwyn, and gave the Welrod its unusual name. It is derived from "Wel" from "Welwyn" (a prefix used by covert equipment designed by Station IX) and "rod", gangland slang for gun, as a way to obscure its purpose. The Welrod is designed for use by irregular forces and resistance groups, and is an extremely quiet gun due to its integrated silencer. Approximately 2,800 were made in wartime and perhaps 14,000 in total when post-war examples are included.