Original British Victorian Nickel Plated Webley-Pryse No.4 Revolver by J. Woodward & Sons – Serial 2561 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very interesting example of the Classic Victorian Officer’s Private Purchase Revolver of the 1870’s, and is the revolver that started the legend of the Webley Top-Break revolver. The Webley-Pryce model and its action were developed by Webley, but the top-break, ejection, and barrel latch are the invention of Charles Pryce. These guns are a mechanical marvel with their rebounding hammer, star-ejector and double-lever barrel lock. Many of these features were simplified or removed for the later Webley Mark I and W.G. Models.

This lovely example of the Webley 4th Model Pryse Revolver features a rare short 3″ barrel, which looks to anticipate the snub-nosed police revolvers of the later 19th century. It bears a clear retailer marking on the top strap:

J. WOODWARD & SONS, 64 S”T JAMES’S ST. LONDON.

This company was a very prestigious firm, located on St. James’s Street in London along with the other most respected gun makers and retailers of the time. James Woodward apprenticed in 1827 to Charles Moore, eventually becoming head finisher at the firm, which moved to 64 St. James’s St. during 1844 to become Moore & Woodward. Around 1851 Moore left the company, and then in 1872 Woodward took his two sons James and Charles into the business, and the name was changed. The company would continue under James the younger until 1900, and continued under various relatives during the early 20th century.

This revolver looks to have been custom ordered through Woodward, and most likely produced to order for them. The left side of the frame is marked with PRYSE’S PATENT as well as FIRST QUALITY, seen on other examples produced during the period by gunsmiths in Birmingham, England. The right side of the frame is marked with PATENT 1945 in a diamond, next to the CROWN / CROSSED SCEPTERS proof of Birmingham. This proof mark is also marked in several locations on the cylinder. The rear of the barrel is also marked with PRYSE’S PATENT. The serial number of the pistol looks to be 2561, stamped into the bottom of the barrel, with shortened number 61 on the back of the cylinder.

There is no caliber marking that we could find on the revolver, but the bore measures .440″ land to land, with the cylinder chambers measuring about .445″ at the muzzle and .484″ at the breech ends. We believe this would probably for .450 Adams, but it could also be for the earlier .442″.

The revolver was originally produced with a lovely nickel plated finish overall, which is still retained well on many areas of the revolver, with the lower frame retaining it the best. The barrel and cylinder show more wear to the finish, with areas now showing areas of oxidation. The bore is in very good condition, showing clear lands and grooves, with a partly bright finish. There is some wear present as well as light oxidation and fouling from the black powder cartridges used at the time. The checkered grip is still in fantastic shape, with clear checkering and a lovely color.

The revolver functions well in both single and double action, though there is definitely slop in the lock up due to mechanical wear, resulting in cylinder wobble. The frame breaks open correctly, however the spring latch on the front lower frame that interfaces with the ejector is damaged, so the ejector no long presents. The knob on the left side of the frame can also be used to unlock the arbor pin ejector, allowing the assembly to be removed for cleaning and oiling.

A very nice nickel plated example of an officer’s private purchase Webley No.4 Pryse revolver, with a fantastic look. Ready to add to your collection and display!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: circa 1875
Caliber: .442 or .45 Boxer
Ammunition Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Overall Length: 8 inches
Barrel Length: 5 1/2 inches
Action: External Hammer Double/Single Action
Feed System: 6 Shot Revolver