Original British Victorian Webley-Pryse No.4 Revolver in .450 Adams Sold by Boss & Co with Rare 3 Inch Barrel – Serial 1918 Original Items

Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very interesting example of 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 lovely example of the Webley 4th Model Pryse Revolver features a rare short 3″ barrel, which looks to anticipate the snub-nosed police revolvers of the later 19th century. It bears a clear retailer marking on the top strap:

BOSS & C”O
73. S”T JAMES’S S”T LONDON.

This company, which is still in existence, was founded in 1812, and by the late Victorian era was one of the premier bespoke gunmakers and retailers in London. This revolver looks to have been custom ordered through Boss, or possibly they modified it themselves to the current configuration. The side of the frame is marked with serial number 1918, which matches the 918 marked on the back of the cylinder. The barrel is marked on the left side with WEBLEY’S / No.4 / 450 CF, and below that is the Webley & Son “Winged Bullet” logo over W&S. The early serial number and chambering for the .450 Adams cartridge indicates it was produced in the mid-late 1870s, before the .476 Enfield and .455 Webley cartridges were introduced.

The revolver was originally produced with a lovely deep “niter blue” finish overall, which is still retained very well on the barrel and cylinder. The lower frame where the pistol would is gripped has had this lovely finish fade, with a bit of staining to the rear of the cylinder near the frame release. The Pryse frame latch mechanism required both sides be pushed in together, which resulted in much more handling on that area of the revolver, which explains the wear. There are also a few scattered areas of light speckling / pitting, such as on the cylinder.

The bore is in superb condition, showing a bright finish with crisp lands and grooves. This revolver does not look to have seen much use at all in any type of service. 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 revolver functions beautifully in both single and double action, with no discrepancies to note. The frame breaks open and the ejector presents. The knob on the left side of the frame can also be used to unlock the arbor pin ejector, allowing the assembly to be removed for cleaning and oiling.

A great early example of a Webley No.4 Pryse revolver, with a fantastic look. Ready to add to your collection and display!

Specifications: 

Year of Manufacture: circa 1875
Caliber: .450 Adams
Ammunition Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Overall Length: 8 inches
Barrel Length: 3 inches
Action: External Hammer Double/Single Action
Feed System: 6 Shot Revolver