British, WW2, Webley & Scott Mark IV .38 Revolver, with 1943 Dated Webbing Holster, Deactivated

*British, WW2, Webley & Scott Mark IV .38 Revolver, with 1943 Dated Webbing Holster, Deactivated*

A deactivated Second World War issue Webley & Scott Mark IV .38 calibre revolver, serial number A76704, with a regulation 100mm (4") barrel and matching Birmingham Proof House deactivation certificate dated 28 May 2025 (to EU/UK 2018 standard). The revolver is complete with its original 1943-dated British Army webbing holster, maker-marked M.E. Co. 1943.

The revolver retains its factory “Webley & Scott Ltd, Birmingham” legend to the frame, along with model designation “Mark IV .38”. Correct Birmingham proof marks are visible, including Crown/NP, Crown/BP, Crown/BV. Matching numbers are present throughout, with the last three digits of the serial repeated on the cylinder (“704”).

Grips are the original chequered black composite type with “Webley” roundels, and a military lanyard ring is fitted to the butt. Holster is in sound condition with brass fittings and rear belt loops intact, the interior clearly ink-stamped M.E. Co. 1943 / Broad Arrow.

This is a fine representative example of the Webley service revolver as carried by British and Commonwealth officers and NCOs during WWII.

Historical Note:
The Webley Mark IV .38 revolver was adopted in 1932 as the official sidearm of the British armed forces, chambered for the .380/200 cartridge (a .38 S&W round with a heavy 200-grain bullet). It replaced the larger .455 calibre Webley revolvers, offering lighter weight and easier handling, particularly suited to the mechanised warfare of WWII.

By the outbreak of war, both the Webley Mk IV and the Enfield No. 2 revolver were in widespread service with the British Army, Royal Navy, and RAF. Many were also issued under Lend-Lease to Commonwealth and Allied forces.

The revolver is housed in its correct Pattern 1937 webbing holster, maker-marked M.E. Co. 1943 with the War Department broad arrow. The Mills Equipment Company, based in Sunderland, was the principal manufacturer of British webbing equipment during both World Wars, holding the patents for woven cotton military gear. Their marked holsters, belts, and pouches were issued on a vast scale, making this a highly authentic example of the complete wartime sidearm rig.

*Condition*
The revolver retains a good proportion of its original blued finish, with scattered light surface spotting and minor handling wear consistent with age and service. Clear markings and proof stamps throughout. Grips are undamaged with sharp chequering, lanyard ring intact. Cylinder, frame, and barrel all bear matching numbers. Holster shows honest service wear, with some fraying to edges and minor staining, but stitching remains firm and all brass fittings are present. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.

This example has been correctly deactivated to the latest EU/UK 2018 specification, with Birmingham Proof House certificate No. 188602 included.

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