Webley & Scott Mark VI MKVI MK VI .455 6″ Blue SA/DA Revolver, MFD 1917 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2,401.00
LSB#: LSB251002RS024
Make: Webley
Model: Mark VI Service Revolver
Serial Number: 308895
Year of Manufacture: 1917
Caliber: .455 Webley
Action Type: Single or Double Action Top Break Revolver with Left Side Thumb Release
Barrel Length: 6″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade held in a slotted base on the top rib and secured with a set screw. The rear sight is a “U” notch at the bottom of a “V” in the top of the barrel latch.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut. The inside of the left panel is stamped “450”, the inside of the right “454”, we do not know the significance of these markings. The left panel has a couple of dings. The grips otherwise show minor handling wear. The checkering is well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good-plus condition as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with well defined rifling. There is faint erosion scattered nearer the muzzle. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 8+/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 97% of its finish. The finish is lightly thinning at some leading edges. There are a few scattered minor marks. The action shows very minor operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver is in about Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder lockup has no play on each chamber with the trigger depressed and the barrel lock-up shows no play. The double action trigger is smooth. The single action trigger pull is crisp and the ejector works properly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: A leather flap-holster is included.
Our Assessment: The Webley MK VI revolver, chambered in .455 Webley, served the British Military through WWI. This revolver has a big, strong action and although the .455 round had good stopping power, the British decided to replace it with the Enfield No. 2, firing a .38/200 cartridge, which was identical to the .38 S&W except for the weight of the bullet. They wanted a smaller revolver that wouldn’t intimidate new recruits learning to shoot a revolver for the first time. When WWII broke out, especially following the evacuation at Dunkirk which left huge amounts of arms and supplies on the shores, Britain was starved for arms. There was a program to refurbish as many Mark VI revolvers as possible to get them serviceable and back into inventory. This MK VI appears to have missed the refurbishment program and has not been converted to fire .45 ACP or Auto Rim, as many that came to America were. In fact, this revolve appears to have avoided much use at all, one of the nicest examples we have seen. The revolver is in about Fine, with about 97% of its finish remaining. The bore is fairly bright. The action is spot-on. While the grips have been replaced, they are quite attractive on the revolver. This will make a great addition to any collection. Please see our photos and good luck!
-Bud
