Original British Victorian Webley “WG” Model 1893 Revolver sold by R.B. Rodda & Co. – Serial 38844 Original Items

Original Item: Only One available. Toward the close of Queen Victoria’s long reign (1837-1901) the British Army started to reform and modernize. The 1881 Childer’s Reforms rearranged all the Regiments and Officer’s were required to standardize their weapons. They had choices such as the Adams and Enfield revolvers, but after 1887 the revolver of choice was definitely the Webley, which had introduced the Mark I revolver in 1887 for the British Military. They then introduced the “WG” ARMY Model of 1889 for private purchase at many retailers. These revolvers were made primarily for the military market, as upper officers were responsible for supplying their own sidearms in the British military until 1915. The model was a much higher grade, with private manufacture quality incorporating many desirable special order features to accommodate any Officer’s fancy. It was a full size service revolver in .455 caliber (accepting a wide variety of .45 inch British cartridges, including the .450, .455, .476, Enfield Mk II, and Enfield MkIII). “WG” actually stands for Webley-Government, contrary to some information available. In 1893 the model was updated, and then again in 1896 with various incremental improvements that paralleled the “marks” of the standard issue.

Our example here is marked “W.G.” MODEL 1893 over the cylinder, and is also stamped with caliber 450 / .455 on the left side of the barrel. The serial number 38844 is stamped in front of the trigger guard and under the barrel. It has checkered wood grips and is fitted with the very desirable 7 1/2″ barrel, and a “Church Steeple” cylinder that instead of having flutes in the cylinder resembled six sticks of dynamite grouped together.

The wood checkered grips have a small chip missing from the right grip plate’s front toe. The overall condition shows most all of the original color being now absent, with just a dull steel color with some metal stains. There is 1870 stamped into the left side but clearly that must be an inventory number or reference since this Revolver being the Model of 1893 did not exist in 1870. The 7 1/2″ barrel is engraved with the Retailer’s name that supplied the weapon, which had offices in both London and Calcutta:-

R.C. RODDA & CO. LONDON & 7&8 DALHOUSIE SQUARE, CULCUTTA

It is also marked WEBLEY / PATENTS next to the Webley & Scott logo over W&S. This was clearly for an officer who was kitting himself out with the best money could buy. An Antique top break Revolver of great quality and sound condition that may have seen service all over India and Afghanistan in the 1890’s and maybe even with General Kitchener at the Battle of Omdurman in the Sudan of 1898. 

The bore is nice and clean, with clear lands and grooves, though it does show wear. The cylinder still has markings on the back, so this revolver was not shaved down to accept half-moon clips holding .45ACP. Many similar revolvers were, making this a great opportunity to get a nice honest unchanged model. It also still has the original lanyard loop attached.

A great example of a famous private purchase service revolver. Fully operational and ready to Display.

Specifications: 

Year of Manufacture: circa 1893-1896
Caliber:  .455 Webley Mk I/II
Ammunition Type: Centerfire Cartridge
Overall Length: 13 1/2inches
Barrel Length: 7 1/2 inches
Action: External Hammer Double/Single Action
Feed System: 6 Shot Revolver