Webley Mark I .455 Webley 4″ DA/SA Top Break Revolver Antique John Taffin 

SOLD FOR: $2,050.00

LSB#: LSB260521SS050

Make: P. Webley & Sons

Model: Mark I

Serial Number: 11904

Year of Manufacture: 1887-1894 / Antique

Caliber: .455 Webley

Action Type: 6-Shot Double / Single Action, Top-Break Revolver with Automatic Extraction

Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “P. WEBLEY & SONS / BIRMINGHAM”. The top of the frame is retailer marked “WATSON BROS / 4 PALL MALL / LONDON”. The serial number “11904” is marked on the frame, barrel, and cylinder.

Barrel Length: 4″

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a fixed blade. The rear sight is a notch integral to the top-break latch.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered hard rubber panels. The grips show handling and operational wear. The bottom of each panel has a repaired chip. Overall, the grips are in Fair condition as repaired.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp. In the writers opinion the bore rates 8/10.

Overall Condition: This revolver retains about 40% of its original blued finish. The balance shows finish loss and patina, with operational and handling wear throughout. The revolver in in about Good overall condition as Antique.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly.   We did not fire this revolver. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This revolver comes with a Certificate of Authenticity documenting it as being from the collection of noted firearms author John Taffin.

Our Assessment: The Webley Mark I was the first of the large-frame .455 Webley service revolvers adopted for British military use. Introduced in 1887, the Mark I established the rugged top-break, automatic-extraction design that would evolve through the later Marks II through VI and become one of the most recognizable British military sidearms. Its comparatively short 4″ barrel and early-pattern features distinguish it from many of the later Webley service revolvers.

This example is particularly interesting for its Watson Bros. 4 Pall Mall, London retailer marking and matching serial number “11904” on the frame, barrel, and cylinder. It retains about 40% of its original finish, with the balance showing honest age-related finish loss and patina, while the bore remains mostly bright with sharp rifling. The action functions correctly, and although both grip panels have repaired chips at their lower edges, they remain intact and serviceable. The included Certificate of Authenticity from the collection of John Taffin adds desirable provenance to this early Webley service revolver. Please see our photos for a better understanding of the condition and good luck with your bids!-C.M.