A Very Rare Cased Webley Long Spur 3rd Belt Model Percussion Revolver. 10 ½” overall, 4” octagonal 120 bore barrel, two Birmingham proof marks on the bottom of the barrel at the breech, alternating numbers (1-5) and Birmingham proof marks on the cylinder, ‘Webley’s Patent’ on the left side of the frame in a banner, folding Kerr Patent loading lever on the left side of the frame, two piece chequered grips, the serial number ‘1077’ and ‘BY HER MAJESTY'S/ROYAL LETTERS PATENT’ on the back strap. In its original walnut case with accessories including powder flask, 120 Bore bullet mould (William Davies) nipple key, loading rod, cap tin, and oil bottle.
Circa 1855.
Rare set in good condition, blued barrel and finely engraved action, case keyhole escutcheon missing.
This revolver was designed by James Webley. He received the patent for his design on March 29, 1853. The grip angle and long hammer spur allowed for much faster cocking of the action than a standard single action percussion revolver. He and his brother Philip were the founders of the famous Webley firm that manufactured many of the revolvers used throughout the British Empire in the latter part of the 19th century and the first half of the 20th century. The "long spur" revolvers were the first revolvers designed and produced by the firm. Only an estimated 2,000 were manufactured by the end of the decade due to slow production and high costs