Original British Victorian Royal Navy Issue Webley .455cal Mark I Antique Revolver – Made 1887-1894 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Availabe. This is one of the most hard to find of any British Military Revolver, and this is the very best example that we have ever had. 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 two previously, and this one is definitely the best we have had. This example is marked with matching serial number 20251 on the frame, barrel, and side rear of the cylinder. 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:

WEBLEY
MARK 1
PATENTS

It is also stamped with an “N” on the steel back strap indicating that it was originally issued to the Royal Navy. There are multiple proof marks on all parts the revolver, making this an excellent research opportunity. It also has the early “curved” broad arrow above the cylinder, which was replaced in service by the straight arrow by the end of the Mark 1 run. For additional information see: THE WEBLEY SERVICE REVOLVER by Robert Maze, published in 2012. Pages 18-21.

In excellent Condition this is a prime example of a very rare model, the ANTIQUE WEBLEY MARK ONE .455 cal. Service Revolver (1887-1894). The bore shows lands and grooves, and has a bright finish. The revolver has a great finish, without much wear, indicating that it most likely did not see much use in service. The grips are in good shape, with just a bit of chipping at the bottom corner. Lanyard loop is intact.

The cylinder appears to have been shaved down to accept standard .45ACP ammunition loaded in full or half moon clips, a common modification for the post-war surplus market. Please bear in mind that this pistol is sold as a collector piece not for shooting. If you wish to shoot it please take it for testing by a certified gunsmith.