Original British Victorian Royal Navy Webley .455cal Mark I** Antique Revolver Serial 11483 – Unshaved Cylinder Original Items

Original Item: One Only. This is one of the most hard to find of any British Military Revolver. 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 a few previously. This example is marked with matching serial number 11483 on the frame, barrel, and side rear of the cylinder. This is a number towards the beginning of the Mark I range, so this revolver was probably produced 1889-1890. As improvements were made before the next model came out, they were indicated with “Stars” after the “mark number”, and this revolver is marked with two stars. It is marked: –

WEBLEY
MARK 1 (STAR)(STAR)
PATENTS

It is also stamped with a N / 101 on the steel back strap indicating that it was originally issued to the Royal Navy. It was later overstamped with 78. There are multiple proof marks on the revolver, making this an excellent research opportunity. 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 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 just a few small scratches and nice checkering. Lanyard loop is intact and swivels freely, and has a nice original leather wrist lanyard installed. Unlike many Webley Revolvers, this has not had the cylinder shaved to accept .45ACP in moon clips, and is still in the original configuration. Cylinder lock up is tight, and the action is smooth. The ejector does stick a when unloading, but a quick break will make it retract.

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

Specifications: 

Year of Manufacture: circa 1889-1890
Caliber:  .455 Webley Mk II
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