Original British Victorian Webley Mark II Antique Revolver Matching Serial 63491 – .45acp Converted Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. The British Webley Service revolvers are among the most recognizable revolver designs out there, and were in use well into the 20th Century, through WWII. The Webley Mark One 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”.

This example is marked with matching serial number 63491 on the frame, cylinder and barrel. This is a number towards the middle/end of the Mark II range, so this revolver was probably produced 1896-1897. 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 II configuration that it was produced in. It is marked: –

WEBLEY
MARK II
PATENTS

The main changes from the Mark I to Mark II were made following complaints that the hump (prawl) on the rear grip strap made it painful to shoot. It was removed and changed to make a continuous curve. This remained unchanged until the introduction of the Mark VI. A new hammer was introduced with a shorter, thicker, straighter striker nose (firing pin) the cocking spur was also made wider after complaints were received from the Cavalry that they were having difficulty cocking the gun with gloves on.

This revolver has the expected proof marks on the gun from manufacturing and inspection. It also has for some reason had the guards in front of the cylinder removed on both sides, a modification we have not seen before. For additional information see: THE WEBLEY SERVICE REVOLVER by Robert Maze, published in 2012. Pages 18-21.

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, although they look to be later arsenal replacements, which now have some wear themselves. Lanyard loop on this revolver is still present, and in good shape. Cylinder lock up is tight, and the action is smooth.

Like many imported Webley Revolvers, this has had the cylinder shaved to accept .45ACP in half or full moon clips, as well as .45 Auto Rim, as a way of extending useful life when imported into the U.S. as .455 Webley was scarce. PLEASE NOTE: .45ACP/Auto Rim are far more powerful cartridges than the .455 Webley, and are not the cartridges the revolver is designed for. This revolver is being sold for antique purposes only, and we do not recommend that it be fired, especially with .45ACP/Auto Rim cartridges. Use of .45ACP/Auto Rim in Webley revolvers has resulted in many damaged or destroyed examples in the field.

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

Specifications: 

Years of Manufacture: circa 1894-1897
Caliber:  .455 Webley Mk II / Modified to accept .45ACP Half Moon Clips
Ammunition Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Overall Length: 9 1/4 inches
Barrel Length: 4 inches
Action: External Hammer Double/Single Action
Feed System: 6 Shot Revolver