A Very Rare Cased Webley Long Spur 2nd Holster Model Percussion Revolver
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13 ¾” overall, 7” octagonal hinge down 54 bore barrel engraved ‘William Henry Fairfax Birmingham’ on the top of the barrel, two Birmingham proofmarks on the bottom of the barrel at the breech, alternating numbers (1-5) and Birmingham proofmarks on the cylinder, ‘Webley’s Patent’ on the left side of the frame in a banner, folding loading lever on the left side of the frame, two piece chequered grips, the serial number 777 and ‘BY HER MAJESTY'S/ROYAL LETTERS PATENT’ on the back strap, and a lanyard stud on the butt. In its original walnut case with accessories including powder flask, bullet mould, turn screw, nipple key, loading rod, cap tin, oil bottle, tin of lubricating composition and a cartridge tin.
Circa 1853.
Rare set in very good condition, blued barrel and finely engraved polished action.
William Henry Fairfax, I cannot find a gun maker or retailer of this name so he may have been the owner.
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