Original British P. Webley & Son Metropolitan Police Revolver in .450 circa 1885 – Serial 79847 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. The British Police are divided up into County Regions, although in recent years there has been some amalgamation. London became the METROPOLITAN POLICE and traditionally is housed at New Scotland Yard. However, up until the end of WWII they were housed in (OLD) SCOTLAND YARD but this old Victorian building unfortunately became too small and outdated. This however was where the effort to catch “JACK THE RIPPER” was based.

Here is a period British Metropolitan Police Solid-Frame Revolver from that time, in a lovely commercial “blued” finish. It is actually marked by the manufacturer on the top of the barrel strap:

P. WEBLEY & SON
LONDON & BIRMINGHAM

This indicates manufacture by the famous firm of P. Webley & Son, who would later design the famous “Top-Break” Webley Revolver. In 1897 they would merge with W & C Scott and Sons to become The Webley & Scott Revolver and Arms Company Ltd of Birmingham. This ensures that this is a Pre-1899 antique revolver per Federal Law. The left side of the frame in front of the cylinder is marked with:

POLICE
WEBLEY’S
(Handcuffed Hands)
M.P.
1241

These markings are somewhat faint, as the revolver may have had a period reblue, and then suffered some oxidation afterwards. The revolver is fitted with a very short 2 1/2 inch snub barrel, which is marked with caliber of .450 on the left side of the frame. The right side of the frame is marked under the cylinder with serial number 79847, and the bottom of the barrel is marked with shortened number 47. The cylinder takes 6 cartridges, and is marked on the rear with shortened serial number 847. That makes this a very nice “ALL MATCHING” example, with no major parts swapped out over the years. This revolver has the expected Birmingham CROWN / CROSSED SCEPTERS / B P C “proof” and CROWN / CROSSED SCEPTER / V “viewing” marks on the barrel and cylinder from manufacturing and inspection.

The revolver operates in both Double Action and Single Action, and the wood grip is fully checkered and lovely. Folding side gate on the right hand side provides access to the chambers for ejection and reloading using the attached ejection rod, which still turns to lock and unlock. The action works well, and we did not notice any finicky behavior or any issues with cycling. The revolver still breaks down correctly, without any real issues to note. We checked the bore, and it is in excellent condition, showing a bright finish with crisp lands and grooves, and very little sign that it has ever been used.

In fine working condition with metalwork still retaining much of the original finish and great markings. “A CLASSIC”, ready to display!

Specifications: 

Year of Manufacture: circa 1885
Caliber:  .450 Adams / Boxer
Ammunition Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Overall Length: 7 1/2 inches
Barrel Length: 2 1/2 inches
Action: External Hammer Double/Single Action
Feed System: 6 Shot Revolver