SOLD - Scarce Webley 1885 / 1886 Army Revolver

Description

7/13/23 - Scarce 1885 / 1886 model of the Webley WG series of army revolvers. This was the first model of the Webley WG revolvers after Webley switched away from the Webley-Kaufmann design. The nomenclature of this model is sometimes referred to as the WG Model 1885 (as is described in Taylerson’s The Revolver and in Dowell’s The Webley Story), or more commonly by contemporary collectors as the WG Model 1886 (such as in Bruce & Reinhart’s Webley Revolvers). The Webley WG 1885/1886 was only produced for a brief period from 1886-1889, after which it was replaced by the WG 1889. Fewer than 2000 models were made; this example serialed 1867 is one of the highest recorded. For instance, Bruce & Reinhart’s Webley Revolvers records serial number 1876 as the highest known Webley Model WG 1886. The WG 1886 is notable as the first model to combine the iconic stirrup latch from the Webley Kaufmann with an improved lockwork. It is also notable for using a Pryse-style rotating button cylinder release, which was replaced in the later WG 1889 with a screw-style cylinder release. The cylinder also features distinctive church-steeple fluting, which was present on early Webley WG revolvers before being discontinued in 1893. The lockwork used in the early WG 1886’s was renowned for its design, as it results in a double action trigger pull that is appreciably lighter than the amount of effort required to cock the hammer for single action. This revolver is mechanically fine. Double action is incredibly smooth. Single action is crisp and clean. The cylinder lockup up is strong with minimal play when the trigger is fully depressed. The stirrup latch securely holds the barrel to the frame, with no play or wobble between the barrel and the frame. Ejector functions perfectly. The cylinder has not been altered from the original 455/476 caliber, and the matching last three digits of the serial number (867) are visible on the rear of the cylinder face. All parts matching: matching assembly number 663 is marked on the front face of the cylinder, barrel hinge (visible with the cylinder removed), and frame (under the left grip panel). Not import marked.