Original British Victorian Webley “WG” Army Model 1896 Antique Revolver sold by Wilkinson Sword – Serial 15842 Original Items

Original Item: Only One available. Toward the close of Queen Victoria’s long reign (1837-1901) the British Army started to reform and modernize. The 1881 Childer’s Reforms rearranged all the Regiments and Officer’s were required to standardize their weapons. They had choices such as the Adams and Enfield revolvers, but after 1887 the revolver of choice was definitely the Webley, which had introduced the Mark I revolver in 1887 for the British Military. They then introduced the “WG” ARMY Model of 1889 for private purchase at many retailers. These revolvers were made primarily for the military market, as upper officers were responsible for supplying their own sidearms in the British military until 1915. The WG was a full size service revolver in .455 caliber (accepting a wide variety of .45 inch British cartridges, including the .450, .455, .476, Enfield Mk II, and Enfield MkIII). “WG” actually stands for Webley-Government, contrary to some information available. In 1896, the Model was updated, and more often would have Square grips, rather than the “Bird’s Head” style.

Our example here marked is marked “W.G.” ARMY MODEL above the cylinder, and is serial numbered 15842 on the frame. The bottom of the barrel is marked 842, and it is also marked 455/476 on the left side under the barrel. It has hard rubber checkered grips with the W.G. LOGO incorporated in the molding. Each grip is missing a very small piece at the front toe. Then 6 ” barrel is engraved with the Retailer’s name that supplied the weapon:-

WILKINSON SWORD Co. PALL MALL. LONDON.

It is also marked WEBLEY / PATENTS next to the Webley & Scott logo over W&S. This was clearly clearly for an officer who was also kitting himself out with a top-of-the line Sword as well. An Antique top break Revolver of great quality and condition that may have seen service in the the Egyptian Wars, all over India and possibly up the Nile with General Gordon or later with General Kitchener at the Battle of Omdurman in the Sudan of 1898.

Condition is very nice, with a lot of the original finish still present. The bore is nice, with clear lands and grooves, though it does show wear. Grip plates are a bit loose due to the missing chunks over the securing pins. The cylinder does not have a serial number on the back, which along with the missing finish, indicates that it was shaved down slightly, so that .45acp rounds in full or half moon clips could be used.

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

Specifications: 

Year of Manufacture: circa 1896-1897
Caliber:  .455 Webley Mk I/II
Ammunition Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Overall Length: 12 1/4 inches
Barrel Length: 6 inches
Action: External Hammer Double/Single Action
Feed System: 6 Shot Revolver