October 22-23, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/22/2019
This gun is largely a standard Mark VI Webley with an uncut cylinder, military finish, appropriate British proofing on cylinder, frame, and barrel. What makes this revolver particularly interesting is the 4" barrel with front sight machined directly into barrel and marked on top strap "Webley and Scott Ltd Birmingham". Chamberlain and Taylorson note on page 32 of their book on British Service revolvers that a number of 4" Mark VIs were seen in the early 1980s, and 100 were imported by Pacific International Merchandising in Sacramento, California. This gun is stamped on the inside of the frame for importation from Inter-American, who distributed through Pacific International, Armex International, and Old Sacramento Armory. Of the imported guns, the two disassembled and examined had front sight machined directly into the barrel, as this one does. Additionally, they note that six of the revolvers bore government inspection marks, but no property marks. Again, this is correct with proper view and proof marks, and a small "(Crossed swords) / 7" and "T" in circle in the frame, under left grip strap, which appear to be inspector marks. Chamberlain and Taylorson speculate that these guns may have come from the Crime (Special) Division of the Garda Sioncha, the Republic of Ireland's national police. Research from Milner's database indicates that the gun was intended Ulster Volunteers, who disbanded in 1922, but was shipped to J. Brennan, the Barrack Master at Phoenix Park, Dublin, in 1931 instead of Belfast. Further research should prove extremely fruitful. Accompanied by a holster that fits the gun very tightly with a "(Broad Arrow) / 167" proof on body and "H G R L21915" on belt loop, and two distinct bracket marks where something was attached at one point. Cleaning rod in compartment. CONDITION: Very good, still retaining the vast majority of its military finish. The cylinder is untrimmed and the ejector functions correctly. There is some high edge wear on the gun and a some scrapes from operation that are now showing bare metal. There is some light pitting on the frame and barrel, but nothing serious. Bore is excellent. Grips are very good, complete, with some handling marks. Holster is good with some crazing but complete. EW