Webley & Scott W.G. Army Model 1896 6” .476 Double Action Revolver, Antique
SOLD FOR: $2,325.00
LSB#: WY250210SM006
Make: Webley & Scott
Model: Webley Government Army Model of 1896
Serial Number: 6106
Year of Manufacture: 1897-1898 Antique
Caliber: .476 Webley
Action Type: Single or Double Action Top Break Revolver with Left Side Thumb Release
Markings: The top of the barrel rib is marked “ARMY & NAVY C.S.L.”. The left side of the top strap is marked “”WG” MODEL”. The left side of the frame is marked “WEBLEY / PATENTS” and a W&S “Winged Bullet”. The left flat on the barrel lug is marked “455/476”. The right side of the frame is marked “6106”. The rear face of the cylinder is marked “6 106”. The front face of the cylinder is marked “4844”. There is a small crossed flag mark on the right side of the frame above the grip. The left side of the grip frame is marked “4845”. The trigger guard and the right side of the frame are both marked “530-40-0035” in electric pencil.
Barrel Length: The barrel is round on the bottom with flat sides and a full length top rib. It is 6” in length.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a tall thin German silver blade fixed to a raised base on the barrel. The rear sight is a “V” notch in the top of the barrel latch.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are smooth wood on a flat bottom grip frame with a lanyard ring. The grips show discoloration from age and handling. The checkering shows wear but is generally well defined. The grips are in about Good-Very Good overall condition as not original to the gun.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no notable erosion. There is some fouling. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 98% of its current metal finish. There are some spots of erosion under the new finish. The finish is strong and complete throughout. There are some scattered nicks and dings under the finish, most prominently under the barrel. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are all clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Fine condition as refinished Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder lockup produces some play in single and double action. The barrel locks up tightly with a tiny amount of play. It takes some effort to open the break action. We did not fire this revolver. As with all previously owned firearms a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: From “Webley Revolvers” by Bruce & Reinhart: “The Webley W.G. models started with the Model 1886 and ended with the Model 1896. The revolver’s “W.G.” marking was meant to represent the “Webley Government” model. This model was sold to both civilians and to officers of the British Army (who had to supply their own personal weapons), and there was also a target version available with target sights. Unlike the matte finish of the Service revolvers, the W.G. models had a polished blued finish. The W.G. revolvers achieved almost immediate success in shooting matches. At the 1889 NRA Wimbledon Camp matches, celebrated American shooter Chevalier Ira Paine found his revolvers were not eligible, picked-up a Model 1889 he had never shot before, and obtained three “Highest Possible” scores with it.”. This revolver was sold to the Army and Navy Cooperative Society for sale to British officers, and with the British being involved in several wars in Africa during the late 1890s as well as conflicts in Afghanistan, the revolvers were probably sold as fast as they could be made. This revolver has a 6” barrel. It has been refinished and all of the parts have matching serial numbers, save for the grips which are not original. The revolver is in about Very Good condition as Antique with 98% of its refinish remaining. Please see our photos and good luck! – L.S.
