Webley & Scott W.G. Target Model 1896 7.5″ .450 Double Action Revolver, C&R
SOLD FOR: $1345
LSB#: 210721TS91
Make: Webley & Scott
Model: Webley Government Target Model of 1896
Serial Number: 19965
Year of Manufacture: 1901
Caliber: .450 Webley
Action Type: Single or Double Action Top Break Revolver with Left Side Thumb Release
Markings: The top of the barrel rib is marked “ARMY & NAVY C.S.L” (Army and Navy Co-operative Society Ltd. formed in 1871 to sell guns and equipment to its members). The left side of the top strap is marked “”WG” TARGET MODEL”. The left side of the frame is marked “WEBLEY / PATENTS” and a W&S “Winged Bullet” logo. The left flat on the barrel lug is marked “.450”. The right side of the frame is marked “19965”. The underside of the barrel lug at the frame is marked “965”. The rear face of the cylinder is marked “965”, “455”, and the rears of the flutes are marked with a “Crown” British proof. The left side of the grip frame is marked “19965” and “B”. The insides of the grip panels are each marked “656”.
Barrel Length: The barrel is round on the bottom with flat sides and a full length top rib. It is 7.5” in length.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a tall thin German silver blade fixed to a raised base on the barrel. The rear sight is a “V” notch in the top of the barrel latch.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered walnut on a square butt grip frame. The smooth borders of the grips show compression marks and nicks. There are repaired cracks at the bottom front of each panel. The checkering shows moderate wear with some compressed checkers and is generally well defined. The grips are in about Fair-Good overall condition as repaired.
Type of Finish: Blue with the hammer, trigger, and cylinder cam “In The White”.
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is well defined. There is some scattered faint erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 78% of its metal finish. The barrel and cylinder show light pitting and oxidation. The frame has some scattered surface oxidation, mostly on the left side. There is light thinning in various areas, most notably around the muzzle, on the top strap, and on the right side of the barrel. There is scabbing at the tip of the spur. There is notable scabbing on the back strap and top of the back strap. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are all clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The barrel and cylinder lockups are SOLID. We did not fire this handgun. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: There is a lanyard ring on the bottom of the grip frame.
Our Assessment: From “Webley Revolvers” by Bruce & Reinhart: “The Webley W.G. models started with the Model 1886 and ended with the Model 1896. The revolver’s “W.G.” marking was meant to represent the “Webley Government” model. This model was sold to both civilians and to officers of the British Army (who had to supply their own personal weapons), and there was also a target version available with target sights. Unlike the matte finish of the Service revolvers, the W.G. models had a polished blued finish. The W.G. revolvers achieved almost immediate success in shooting matches. At the 1889 NRA Wimbledon Camp matches, celebrated American shooter Chevalier Ira Paine found his revolvers were not eligible, picked-up a Model 1889 he had never shot before, and obtained three “Highest Possible” scores with it.”. This revolver was sold to the Army and Navy Cooperative Society for sale to British officers, and with the British being involved in several wars in Africa during the late 1890s as well as conflicts in Afghanistan, the revolvers were probably sold as fast as they could be made. This revolver has a 7.5” barrel marked with the distributor’s name. The revolver is in about Very Good condition with 78% of its finish remaining. This is a very well made revolver and we can see how it could have won so many matches. This will make a nice addition to a collection of Webley revolvers. Please see our photos and good luck!