Original British Victorian Webley-Pryse Nickel-Plated Antique Revolver sold by Army & Navy CSL – Serial 7572 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is 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 example was RETAILED by ARMY & NAVY C.S.L (Co-operative Stores Limited) located in Victoria Street, London, as indicated on the barrel top strap. The side of the frame is marked with serial number 7572. The barrel is marked on the left side with WEBLEY’S / No.4 / 476 CF, and below that is the Webley & Son winged logo over W&S. These revolvers were usually designed to take both the .455 Webley and .476 Enfield cartridges, which were for the most part interchangeable.

The revolver was initially fully nickel plated, however the finish has turned, with almost 150 years of age to have a “frosted” appearance. This revolver came to us from a Collection in South Africa via England and was said to have taken part in the ZULU WARS, which is very possible as such Revolvers were the private purchase of many Victorian Officer’s at that time.

Condition is very nice, with a lot of the original finish still present. The bore is nice, with clear lands and grooves, with little wear. The grip still has great checkering, and is solidly attached to the frame. The rear of the cylinder still bears serial number 572 as well as nickel plating, so this revolver was not converted to accept half-moon clips, which were probably not safe on this older model anyway.

In fully working order, the nickel now dulled, the walnut wood grips still showing much of its original checkering. Cleaned and ready to display.

Specifications: 

Year of Manufacture: circa 1875
Caliber:  .455 Webley / .476 Enfield
Ammunition Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Overall Length: 11 inches
Barrel Length: 5 3/4 inches
Action: External Hammer Double/Single Action
Feed System: 6 Shot Revolver