This Webley Mark VI is a First World War British service revolver, serial 3131xx, with the left side of the frame marked WEBLEY MARK VI PATENTS and dated 1917. It is chambered in .45 ACP, a conversion from the original .455 Webley chambering recorded by the Birmingham proof marks on the barrel lug for .455, .760 inch and 6 TONS, and it uses moon clips. The frame carries the 1917 War Department acceptance marks, the GR crown and broad arrow, along with broad arrows on the hammer, barrel latch and frame. The frame and barrel are numbered 3131xx, while the cylinder carries a different number, 2661xx. The revolver is mechanically excellent with tight lock up, and the bore is bright with sharp rifling. The original pattern squared, checkered Webley grips are in good condition with the lanyard ring present. The revolver is offered as it is shown.
The Webley Mark VI was adopted by the British Army on 24 May 1915 as a top-break, self-extracting revolver in .455 Webley, with a 6 inch barrel and the squared grip that sets it apart from earlier Webley service revolvers. Webley and Scott built it from 1915 to 1923, and the Royal Small Arms Factory at Enfield produced it from 1921 to 1926 as the Pistol, Revolver, Webley, No. 1 Mk VI. It served through the First World War, remained in British service through the Second, and the .455 revolvers were retired in 1947. The Mark VI left the factory only in .455 Webley, so a .45 ACP example such as this one reflects later work after its service life. This revolver's 1917 date places it in the middle of wartime production.
Specifications
Manufacturer: Webley and Scott
Country of origin: United Kingdom
Year: 1917
Model: Mark VI
Action: Top-break, double action revolver
Caliber: .45 ACP (converted from .455 Webley)
Loading: Moon clips
Barrel length: 6 inches
Serial: 3131xx
Matching: Frame and barrel matching, cylinder numbered 2661xx
Finish: even grey finish, no pitting
Grips: Squared checkered Webley pattern, good condition
Bore: Bright bore
Rifling: Sharp
Markings: WEBLEY MARK VI PATENTS 1917, Birmingham .455 proofs, GR crown and broad arrow acceptance marks
Features: Lanyard ring
Mechanical condition: Mechanically excellent, tight lock up
