Original British Victorian Royal Navy Webley Mark I Antique Revolver Serial 16806 – .45acp Converted Original Items

Original Item: One Only. This is one of the most hard to find of any British Military Revolver. Known as the MARK ONE, it is the very first version of the iconic Webley Top-Break revolver series. This model was first produced in 1887 and continued production until 1894 when it was replaced with the Mark two from 1894 until 1897. The series continued with the Mark three from 1897 to 1899, the Mark four from 1899 to 1913, the Mark five from 1913 to 1914 and finally the Webley Mark six from 1915 until 1919.  The Mark Six was the revolver WRONGLY carried by Actor Michael Caine as Lt. Bromhead in the wonderful Movie “ZULU”.

The early Mark One Revolvers are just never encountered on the market. Company owner Christian Cranmer has only ever owned a few previously. This example is marked with matching serial number 16806 on the frame, barrel, and side rear of the cylinder. This is a number towards the middle of the Mark I range, so this revolver was probably produced 1889-1890. As improvements were made before the next model came out, they were indicated with “Stars” after the “mark number”, however this example is still in the original Mark 1 configuration that it was produced in. It is marked (very faintly): –

WEBLEY
MARK 1 **
PATENTS
1914

The date 1914 is overstamped on the bottom of the patent marking, and is not the date of manufacture. It means that this revolver was still in service in 1914, and was possibly used during WWI.

It is also stamped with a N on the steel back strap indicating that it was originally issued to the Royal Navy. It is also marked ENGLAND (partial stamp) on the chamber, which was done prior to importation. There are multiple proof marks on the revolver, making this an excellent research opportunity. For additional information see: THE WEBLEY SERVICE REVOLVER by Robert Maze, published in 2012. Pages 18-21.

In very good condition this is a prime example of a  rare model, the ANTIQUE WEBLEY MARK ONE .455 cal. Service Revolver (1887-1894). The bore is in very good condition, with a bright finish and clear lands and grooves. The revolver has a nice aged blued with the expected wear of age. The grips are in good shape, with nice checkering, though both scales have a chunk missing from the bottom side. Lanyard loop is intact and swivels freely. Like many imported Webley Revolvers, this has had the cylinder shaved to accept .45ACP in half or full moon clips. Cylinder lock up is tight, and the action is smooth.

A great example of a famous service revolver. Fully cleaned and ready to Display.

Specifications: 

Year of Manufacture: circa 1889-1890
Caliber:  .455 Webley Mk II / Modified to accept .45ACP Half Moon Clips
Ammunition Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Overall Length: 9 1/4 inches
Action: External Hammer Double/Single Action
Feed System: 6 Shot Revolver