Any Webley experts out there?

[sailor723]

I've recently purchased a 1918 Webley MK VI in the original .455 (unshaved cylinder)

I am having some confusion over some of the markings.

The gun has the normal broad arrow and George V crossed penants proof marks as well as the italic "B" inspection marks. Where it gets odd is in the serial number markings.

1. Webleys have 6 digit numeric serial numbers from what I have read

2.The registration certificate says the serial is " 398246 N1578"

3. This gun has "398246" stamped on the underside of the barrel and on the underside of the frame but struck out with a line in both places. The third location Webleys normally have the serial number (the cylinder edge) has "431627" instead of "398246" (I'd guess a replacement cylinder?)

4. "N 1578" is marked on both the underside of the barrel and on the butt strap. I can find no mention of this format being a serial number on any internet site dealing with Webley's. One site suggests the "N" stamp may indication issue to the Royal Navy....perhaps the 1578 is an armoury inventory number?

Don't you wish they could talk?

Anyway, any insight would be appreciated

 

[2152hq]

Just the stand-alone capital 'N' was their designation for Royal Navy issue arm. It can be found on handguns and long-guns alike. I've had Webleys , Lee Enfields and Lee Metford with the marking.

398246 is the original ser# applied at mfg.
The cylinder # being different is probably a replacement cylinder as you suspect. The # itself is in the correct position for a factory stamping being right on the rear edge. They usually disappear or nearly so when the guns are 'shaved' for 45acp.

The # 1578,,,
It could very well have been an inventory # stamped at some point in it's life. Maybe to go along with the 'N' (Royal Navy?) issue marking.
Or..Perhaps it was stamped later when the revolver was issued to some backwater Colonial outpost as a new Ser# or inv #.

I think the former as the # is stamped right along with the 'N' in both places, but that's just my guess.

Maybe the 'bar-out' of the original ser# then occurred later to avoid confusion over two sets of 'serial numbers' someone perceived to be stamped on the revolver.

Just my guess and the gun ain't talkin'. Looks like a nice one.
I have a 1918 issue MkVI in .455 and I shoot it occasionally still. Quite a fine piece of hardware IMO.

('bar-out' is the common term used to define the method used by the Brit & Commonwealth armourers to deface an old ser# to restamp it with a new one. A simple line or bar was stamped thru the characters instead of defacing with X's or stippling w/a pointed punch.)

 

[Alpo]

My Webley (unfortunately, shaved) from 1915, also has a six-digit number, in the 167 thousands, and a N-number, three-digit, in the four hundreds.

I have no idea what it means.

 

[Valmet]

There are actually 3 universal truths in life...death, taxes, and the Brits stamped, numbered, and proofed everything, sometimes twice.

 

[sailor723]

There are actually 3 universal truths in life...death, taxes, and the Brits stamped, numbered, and proofed everything, sometimes twice.

I know what you mean.

In addition to the various numbers I count 4 Broad arrows, 5 inspection stamps and 7 proof marks (1 on the edge of the top strap and 1 on each of the 6 chambers). That's without looking under the grips.

I've also noticed it has "1877" (or possibly 1377) stamped twice on the cylinder rim in line with the "431627". Once orientated to read with the muzzle pointing up and once orientated to read with the muzzle pointing down.

Everything I've read seems to indicate the "N" does indicate Royal Navy issue but most sources also mention navy guns having an oversized broad arrow (sometimes crudely done) on the top of the top strap. This is something my gun doesn't have.

 

[Alpo]

Does your gun have the double broad arrow? -><-

That's how they marked guns that were "redundant to need" (surplus).

If it doesn't, maybe yours is hot.

 

[sailor723]

No double broad arrows.

I had actually wondered about that. I know that the opposing broad arrows point to point indicates surplus or sold out of the service but there seem to be tons of British and Commonwealth guns around without those marks. Are they all "lost in action/taken home in a pack" guns?

 

[Texas Star]

Webleys that were sold off as war surplus after being declared obsolete in 1947 won't have the opposed Broad Arrows. Those usually indicate an earlier sale from Stores to an officer. Officers purchased their own sidearms, both sword and handgun, prior to 1920, and could buy from Govt. stores (supplies) or from retail sources. There was no requirement to buy the service pattern, and many bought other brands or more highly finished Webleys, sometimes with wooden grips. Some had a gold oval in the wood, for an owner's initials. My favorite is the Wilkinson-Webley, Model of 1911. (Almost identical to their 1905 style)

I've seen pics of those Navy guns with a crude Broad Arrow scratched on the top strap. I'm glad that this practice wasn't universal.

 

[Rock185]

Glad you posted that Texas Star. I don't have my MK VI in front of me right this minute, but I don't recall it having opposing broad arrows. I was already trying to figure out where to turn mine in

 

[max]

This months's AR has an article on the Webleys.

 

[sailor723]

Just to update ...I shot mine for the first time last night. I was a little concerned about cylinder play but everything seemed fine. No sign of shaving or splatter. i guess the "Wobbly" nickname is well earned.

The gun grouped quite well at 15 yards firing Fiocchi 262gr and had surprisingly light recoil. Just a big muffled "boom" but little or no muzzle flip. The trigger (SA) was surprisingly good for a service revolver. The ejector worked fine ( I love the little fountain of spent brass when you snap it open)

All in all I'm pretty pleased with my find. I'm looking at a 1916 Colt New Service in .455 now that has Canadian markings and is attributed to a trooper in the Fort Garry Horse.

I seem to have been bitten by the WW I bug!