Webley & Scott Model W.G. 1886 .455 SA/DA Revolver, MFD 1886-1889 Antique
SOLD FOR: $2525
LSB#: 210722TS28
Make: Webley & Scott
Model: Webley Government (W.G.) 1886
Serial Number: 1420
Year of Manufacture: 1886-1889 Antique
Caliber: .455 Webley
Action Type: Top Break Single/Double Action Revolver w/ Auto-Eject
Markings: The right side of the frame is marked “1420”. The top of the rib is marked “ARMY & NAVY C.S.L”. There are adjacent arrows on the left side of the barrel and the cylinder retainer. The left side of the frame is marked “WEBLEY / PATENTS” next to the Webley & Scott winged bullet logo. The left side of the grip under the panel is marked “631”. The rear face of the cylinder is marked “420” and “55”.
Barrel Length: 6”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a petridge style blade fixed to a riser that is integral to the top of the rib. The rear sight is U-notch at the bottom of a V-shaped groove in the latch.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered black hard rubber panels. The smooth borders show even scuffs and scratches. The panels have slightly discolored with age. The checkering is generally sharp with a smooth rub on the left panel. The right panel is slightly warped and there is a gap at the rear of the panel at the top. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips rate in about Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is somewhat bright and the rifling is well defined. There is scattered light erosion and some stubborn fouling in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 40% of its metal finish. There is scattered finish loss throughout where the metal has turned to a patina. There are several nicks and scratches throughout the metal. The cylinder shows a distinct turnline. There is moderate operational wear. The screw heads are tool marked. The markings are legible. Overall, this handgun rates in about Very Good condition as Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. However, in single action the cylinder moves freely. When the trigger is depressed, the cylinder can be manually rotated out of position on certain chambers. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: According to Bruce & Reinhart, “After the year 1885, P. Webley & Son introduced another weapon constructed on the break-open, simultaneous ejection system. Its basic design closely followed that of previous models and retained such characteristics as the latest stirrup latch, plus general body shape with built in trigger guard. The principle difference between this revolver and the Improved Government Pattern of 1884 lay in the use of a much larger hinge diameter to provide greater rigidity and strength in that area.” This model W.G. 1886 is in about Very Good conditionals Antique and would make a fine addition to a Webley & Scott revolver collection. Please see our photos and good luck!