RSAF Enfield Mark I/II MK. I/II MKI/II .455 Webley SA/DA Revolver, Antique

SOLD FOR: $2600

LSB#: 210722TS62

Make: Enfield

Model: Mk I/II (We have no way of knowing if this is a MK I or MK II model.

Serial Number: 6392

Year of Manufacture: 1880-1889

Caliber: .455 Webley

Action Type: Single or Double Action Revolver with Top Break Action. The cylinder has a loading gate for loading the cylinder, and an Owen Jones “self-extraction” system where the cylinder moves forwards when the action is opened. The star pulls the cartridges out of the cylinder, allowing the spent cartridges (because of their shorter length) to fall out of the chambers while the unfired cartridges are retained.

Markings: The left side of the frame below the window is marked “broad arrow / WD” at the front and “1.” at the rear. The left side of the hammer is marked “broad arrow / WD”. The rear face of the cylinder is marked with a “Crown / E / 86”. The rear face of the cylinder under the star and the cylinder axle are marked “6392”. The rear face of the loading gate is marked with a British Broad Arrow acceptance mark and the top is marked “6392”. The circumference of the cylinder is marked with a “Crown / VR / Crossed Flags / 2P” and a “Crown / P” proof mark at the back of every chamber and there is another of these marks on the right front shoulder of the top strap. The front of the grip, under the front strap, is marked “6392”. The left side of the barrel is marked with a London Proof House mark, “.455’”, .760””, and “6 TONS”.

Barrel Length: 5 7/8”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a forward sloping blade at the front of the barrel. It is held in a slotted base fixed to the top of the barrel. The rear sight is a “V” groove in the top strap.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grip is a round checkered piece of walnut secured to the upper and lower tangs with screws. There is a blued steel grip cap on the bottom of the grip, secured with a lanyard ring that screws through the grip cap into the butt. The grip is dark with oil staining. There are several dings in the smooth areas at the top of the grip and in the smooth edges, with multiple light marks around the bottom of the grip. There are a few darkened gashes on the bottom right side. The checkering shows moderate wear with a few mars. The grip rates in about Very Good overall condition as Antique.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is somewhat bright. The rifling is well defined. There is scattered minor erosion throughout the bore.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 11% of its metal finish. The majority of the metal surfaces have gone to a light mottled patina with some blue remaining in protected areas. There are several little nicks and dings throughout the various surfaces. There are some areas of light pitting, notably on the back strap and the sides of the frame. The screw heads are slightly disfigured yet serviceable. The markings are legible. Overall, this handgun rates in about Very Good condition as Antique.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The double action trigger is smooth. The hammer is a little hard to cock in single action and the trigger is a little stiff, but crisp. 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: The first models of Enfield revolver, the Mark I and Mark II, were official British military sidearms from 1880 through 1887, and issue sidearms of the North-West Mounted Police in Canada from 1883 until 1911. The Enfield revolver was a self-extracting handgun designed and manufactured at the government owned Royal Small Arms Factory in Enfield. One of the key qualities of the Enfield offering was its Owen Jones “self-extraction” system which intended to remove spent shell cartridges for the operator while retaining ready-to-fire cartridges in the cylinder. The system involved the operator unlatching the barrel and forcing the assembly downwards along the hinge. With the barrel tilted forwards, the cylinder was positioned slightly forward to reveal enough of the spent cartridge cases that they fell out of their chambers. In practice, the system was not wholly reliable. This revolver is in about Very Good overall condition and great mechanical condition. This is a great find for collectors of early British revolvers. We see a lot of Webleys of various vintages pass through our shop, but this is the first Enfield MK I/II we have seen in a very long time. Please see our photos and good luck!

RSAF Enfield Mark I/II MK. I/II MKI/II .455 Webley SA/DA Revolver, Antique
RSAF Enfield Mark I/II MK. I/II MKI/II .455 Webley SA/DA Revolver, Antique