Guns International #: 101924279
Seller's Inventory #: CM22-638

Category - Webley Revolvers - Military Revolvers - Non-US

Category
Webley Revolvers
Military Revolvers - Non-US

**SOLD** 1891-1892 Vintage British Military Webley Mark 1* Revolver in .45 ACP

Description:
This is a very cool original Webley Mark 1* revolver that was chambered originally in .455 Webley but has been converted to fire .45 ACP on moon or half moon clips.  This particular example is well marked and is serial number 18,351.  The Webley Mark 1 was first introduced in 1887 and remained in production until 1894.  The serial number range started at "1" and went to approximately "36,999".  It was designed with some patents belonging to Edwinson Green which covered the top locking-latch mechanism and the automatic ejector mechanism, which are still used to this day.  The DA/SA Mark 1 Webley revolver featured a matte "military" blue factory finish, a 4" inch barrel, a six-shot fluted cylinder, 3 ejector star locating pins, a birds head shaped grip-frame, black checkered Vulcanite grips, and a military-style lanyard loop on the butt.  The Mark 1 is easily distinguishable from the later Marks from the hump on the frame behind the hammer, which all other models lack.  Problems began to arise when the firing pin hole began to erode and enlarge, which was remedied by the installation of a replaceable recoil shield dovetailed into the frame and secured with a screw.  This change along with adding a longer hammer spur were the changes made to the Mark 1 changing it from a Mark 1 to a Mark 1*.  This particular Webley Mark 1* was built sometime likely in 1891-1892.  It is in very good condition overall and is excellent mechanically.  The factory blue finish is still mostly intact although it is more gray-blue and shows some age patina and some light finish wear and handling marks.  All of the original factory markings are still fully-intact and legible, as-are the numerous British Military proofs and the large broad arrow proof on the top strap.  There are also some various stamps of unknown meaning, likely unit markings, etc. located on the left side of the frame and on the rear grip strap.  The bore in the 4" inch barrel is in good condition overall with visible rifling throughout the barrel and some minor spots of very light frosting/pitting.  The 6 chambers of the cylinder are in good shape overall as well, showing a few spots of shallow minor pitting with the balance showing a nice shiny and clean surface.  Despite the a small portion of the rear face of the cylinder being machined off for use of .45 Auto Rim or .45 ACP in moon clips, you can still make out the serial number of which the top half is still visible around the side of the cylinder.  All of the serial numbered parts match including the cylinder, barrel assembly, and frame.  The original grips on this antique Webley are in excellent condition overall. Both grip panels are free from any cracks, chips, repairs, or major wear/damage.  The left and right grips are a perfect match to each other in every way and they fit the gun perfectly, nice and tight to the frame with no wiggle.  The checkering on both grips is still in good condition with lots of good texture for added grip.  The action of the Mark 1* is still very tight but smooth and in excellent condition.  The action is smooth and perfectly "in time" no matter how it is operated.  The trigger is smooth and consistent in double-action operation, and in single-action operation it breaks nicely with a light pull and no excessive travel.  It is a much better trigger than you would expect on a combat revolver of this age.  With the trigger at full-lock fully-depressed to the rear the cylinder locks up tight with ZERO felt play in it.  It really is so perfect that it has to be just as tight today as the day it left the factory.  The top latch is also very tight.  With the Webley locked-up there is no play in the front hinge and the top latch is super tight.  Even with the Mark 1* open there is no side to side play in the front hinge.  To close the revolver you really have to snap it closed.  Despite it's age of over 130 years old it feels like it really hasn't even been broken in yet!  All of the controls are in perfect working order, including the automatic ejector.  There is no doubt that this Webley Mark 1* will function flawlessly if the new owner chooses to shoot it.  If you have been looking for a really special original Webley Mark 1* for your collection here is your chance to get one of the very first Webley's ever adopted by the British Military and the pattern from which countless Webley variations would be based off of.  This is not a model we see very often and would be extremely hard to upgrade from in any regard short of finding one that is all-matching still in .455 Webley, something we have not had in years.  As this Webley was built in 1891 or 1892 it is an antique and can be shipped directly to your home. No FFL needed!!

SOLD

Antique: Yes
Handgun Caliber: .45 ACP (.45 Auto), .45 Auto Rim
Manufacturer: Webley
Model: Mark 1*
Serial Number: 18351
Barrel Length: 4" Inches
Bore: Rifled
Ejectors: Automatic Ejector with 3 Guide Pins
Condition: Very Good
Metal Condition: Very Good
Bore Condition: Very Good
Action: Double-Action / Single-Action Revolver
Finish: Military Dull Blue
Sights: Fixed Iron Sights
Manufacture Date: 1891-1892