Description
12/12/25 - This is a rare P. Webley & Son Metropolitan Police solid-frame revolver manufactured sometime in the 1880s, chambered in.450 Boxer, and featuring a 7″ barrel. This historic handgun, from the company who would later design the famous "Top-Break" Webley Revolver, and in 1897 merged with W & C Scott and Sons to form the iconic Webley & Scott Revolver and Arms Company, appears to have all its crisp and distinctly stamped original markings. The left side of the frame is stamped “WEBLEY’S” above the cuffed hands emblem along with “M.P.” (Metropolitan Police). The front of the frame is marked “POLICE 755”, denoting the police inventory number, and the topstrap is engraved “P. WEBLEY & SON / LONDON & BIRMINGHAM,” with Birmingham proof marks on the barrel and cylinder, confirming its British origin. The revolver features its hallmark design traits, including an unfluted six-shot cylinder, a right-side loading gate for convenient reloading, and an ejector rod neatly nested in the cylinder’s axis pin for extraction of spent cartridges. The metal is in great condition for its age, but does show honest wear and areas of scattered darkish gray patina throughout, with some areas of discoloration and surface scuffing as well. There are also spots of mild freckling here and there, but the majority of the metal is smooth and relatively consistent in color. The original, checkered walnut single-piece grip is in great shape, with expected age-related smoothing throughout and minor handling marks. The right side of the grip has one area where the material is worn away with some dings in the surrounding region, but this is minor visually and not noticeable whatsoever in the hand. The bore is remarkably well preserved, bright with sharp rifling. The historical significance of this piece is noteworthy, carried by London’s Metropolitan Police in the Victorian era. This example was chosen to be documented in print, by serial number and photographically on page 127 of Webley Solid Frame Revolvers by Black, Davis & Michaud, cementing its provenance and elevating its desirability. This listing includes a beautiful copy of this invaluable reference. As an antique, no licensing is required for purchase.
