British Navy Webley Mark I .45 ACP Top Break Revolver, 1890-1894 Antique
SOLD FOR: $2,076.00
LSB#: LSB260119CX001
Make: P. Webley & Son
Model: Mark I Service Revolver
Serial Number: 22150
Year of Manufacture: 1890-1894
Caliber: Originally chambered for .455 Webley, the rear face of the cylinder has been relieved for use with .45 ACP in moon clips. Please note, standard .45 ACP should not be used in this revolver as it would exceed safe pressures. We always recommend that used firearms are inspected by a qualified gunsmith prior to firing. A qualified gunsmith should be able to give you a better idea of what loads, if any, are safe to fire in this revolver.
Action Type: Single or Double Action Top Break Revolver with Left Side Thumb Release
Barrel Length: 4″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade integral to the barrel. The rear sight is a U-notch integral to the barrel latch.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered black hard rubber. The grips have scattered nicks, scuffs, scratches, and general handling wear throughout. The checkering shows light wear, remaining fairly well defined. The right screw escutcheon is loose in the grip, but is held securely when the screw is threaded in all the way. The lanyard ring is present on the bottom of the grip. Overall, the grips are in about Fine condition as Antique.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Remaining finish is Original, most surfaces show signs of polishing. Numbers match.
Bore Condition: The bore is gray. The rifling is fairly well defined. There is light erosion scattered through the bore with infrequent minor pitting. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 6/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 15% of its current metal finish. Finish remains only in protected areas and around raised features. Most sufaces show signs of polishing. There is some scattered light erosion, most notable on the barrel latch. There are scattered nicks, scuffs and scratches. There are tool marks around screw heads. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads range from sharp to disfigured with usable slots. The markings are generally clear, the cylinder’s serial marking is incomplete due to the modification of the cylinder. Overall, his handgun rates in about Very Good condition as modified Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The barrel locks up with slight play to the frame. The cylinder locks up with light-moderate play on each chamber when the trigger is depressed. The double-action trigger is smooth. The single-action trigger pull is crisp. 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: None.
Our Assessment: P. Webley and Son received their first contract to produce the hinged frame Mark I revolver for the British Government in 1890. From lessons learned with this revolver and from their W.G. line of commercial revolvers, continual improvement in the design occurred, finally evolving into the Mark VI in 1916. About 35,000 of the Mark I revolvers were produced for the British government between 1890 and 1894, including this example.
It has had its cylinder relieved for use with .45 ACP moon clips, a common modification on the revolvers which made their way across the pond, though care should be taken not to use loads that will exceed pressures safe for use in this revolver. The revolver is in about Very Good condition as a modified Antique with about 15% of its blue finish remaining. The “N” marking at the top of the backstrap and the deep broad arrow on the topstrap indicate that this revolver was issued to the Royal Navy. The bore is still decent and the mechanics are fairly strong.
This revolver probably has quite a history if it could be told. It could very easily have seen use in any of the armed conflicts and small wars England participated in at the turn of the century. This revolver should be of interest to collectors of military weapons, especially those interested in British service weapons. Please see our photos and good luck!
-Bud