Description
Physical description
Webley .455 Mark 3 (III commercial) revolver, cavalry hammer, black vulcanite grips, narrow cylinder slots and military blued finish
Label
The Webley Mk III was one of a series of .455 inch calibre Webley revolvers which were the standard issue pistols of the British Army from 1887 onwards. They were robust and powerful weapons, which gave excellent service until replaced by the handier Enfield No 2 revolver (see FIR 385) in 1932.
Until the First World War, officers were expected to purchase their own pistols. This particular example was in fact presented to an officer departing for service in the 2nd Boer War. It is engraved with the following inscription: 'Presented to their Ruling Councillor Major Sertius Wood 2nd vol. Battn. Lanc. Fusiliers on his leaving for active service in S. Africa by the Executive Committee & Secretaries of the Rochdale Habitation of the Primrose League February 1900'.
History note
The Webley Mk III was one of a series of .455 inch calibre Webley revolvers which were the standard issue pistols of the British Army from 1887 onwards. They were robust and powerful weapons, which gave excellent service until replaced by the handier Enfield No 2 revolver (see FIR 385) in 1932.
Until the First World War, officers were expected to purchase their own pistols. This particular example was in fact presented to an officer departing for service in the 2nd Boer War. It is engraved with the following inscription: 'Presented to their Ruling Councillor Major Sertius Wood 2nd vol. Battn. Lanc. Fusiliers on his leaving for active service in S. Africa by the Executive Committee & Secretaries of the Rochdale Habitation of the Primrose League February 1900'.
1. stamped on left of frame
2. stamped on left of frame
3. stamped on left of top strap
4. stamped on barrel rib
5. stamped on left of barrel lug
6. stamped on barrel, cylinder and frame
7. engraved on back strap
8. stamped on right side of frame above trigger guard
9. stamped on underside of barrel lug
1. WEBLEY PATENTS
2. 'winged bullet' trade mark
3. MARK "III"
4. P. WEBLEY & SON LONDON & BIRMINGHAM
5. .455/.476
6. Birmingham commercial proofmarks
7. PRESENTED TO THEIR RULING COUNCILLOR MAJOR SERTIUS WOOD 2ND VOL. BATTN. LANC. FUSILIERS ON HIS LEAVING FOR ACTIVE SERVICE IN S. AFRICA BY THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE & SECRETARIES OF THE ROCHDALE HABITATION OF THE PRIMROSE LEAGUE FEBRUARY 1900
8. 79166
9. 166