
Webley & Scott WG Army 1896 .476 Double Action Revolver 1897-1898 Antique
SOLD FOR: $2,025.00
LSB#: WY240918VB033
Make: Webley & Scott
Model: Army 1896
Serial#: 17835
Year of Manufacture: 1897 – 1898
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” ARMY 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 “18695”. The underside of the barrel lug at the frame is marked “695”. The rear face of the cylinder is marked “695” and “476” and the rear of the flutes are marked with a Birmingham proof. There is a small crossed flag mark on the right side of the frame above the grip.
Barrel Length: 6”
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/ Grip: TThe grips are checkered wood on a flat bottom grip frame with a lanyard ring. There is a repaired chip in the bottom front of the left panel. The smooth borders of each panel show nicks and scratches. The grips show discoloration from age and handling. The checkering shows wear but is generally well defined. The grips are in about Good overall condition as repaired and Antique.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore. There is light fouling in the grooves. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: The revolver retains about 60% of its metal finish. The metal is starting to patina on the frame, barrel, and cylinder. There is a turn line on the cylinder. There are scratches on the metal surfaces. The markings are clear. This pistol rates in Good overall condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this pistol. As with all previously owned firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box Paperwork and 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 its original finish and all of the parts have matching serial numbers, including the grips. The revolver is in about Very Good condition as Antique with 60% of its finish remaining. Please see our photos and good luck! – M.C.
