British, WW1 - dated 1918, Webley Mk VI .455 Service Revolver, Deactivated (Old Specification), with WW2 Canvas Holster Dated 1944

*British, WW1 - dated 1918, Webley Mk VI .455 Service Revolver, Deactivated (Old Specification), with WW2 Canvas Holster dated 1944*

British Webley Mark VI double-action service revolver, chambered for the .455 Webley cartridge and manufactured during the First World War. This example is crisply frame-marked “WEBLEY MARK VI / PATENTS / 1918” and also bears the 1918 date to the top strap, firmly confirming wartime production. It retains its correct 6-inch barrel, six-shot fluted cylinder, lanyard ring, and full military configuration.

The revolver is notably well marked throughout, displaying a dense and highly legible array of British military, inspection, and later proof stamps, reflecting prolonged official service life. It has been professionally deactivated to the earlier (old specification) standard and is accompanied by a Second World War dated canvas holster.

Serial number 381453 is present beneath the frame, on the rear of the barrel, and on the chamber/cylinder assembly, indicating a matching revolver. One serial location on the frame shows evidence of an earlier number having been scrubbed during service, a recognised feature on revolvers that underwent inspection, repair, or re-proof during extended military use. The revolver carries numerous Broad Arrow (War Department) stamps across the frame, barrel, and component parts, confirming government ownership. Additional markings include Birmingham Nitro Proof (BNP) with “6 TONS”, the commercial calibre designation “.42 Auto-Rim” applied during later proofing, and further official inspection stamps dated 1926 and 1933, indicating continued retention and inspection beyond the First World War. A faint stamp reading “Union” is present on the frame.  Overall, the quantity, clarity, and consistency of the markings make this a particularly strong and visually impressive example.

Accompanied by a correct British wartime canvas revolver holster, clearly marked with a Broad Arrow and dated 1944, manufactured by Bagcraft Ltd, a known Second World War contractor. This holster type is entirely appropriate for older Webley service revolvers retained and reissued during WWII.

History Note:
Introduced in 1915, the Webley Mark VI became the principal British service revolver of the latter half of the First World War and remained in official use for several decades thereafter. Valued for its robustness, reliability, and stopping power, it was issued widely across the British Army and Commonwealth forces, seeing service on the Western Front and through the inter-war period. Large numbers of Mk VI revolvers were retained, re-inspected, and re-proofed during the 1920s and 1930s, with many returned to service during the Second World War, often paired with contemporary canvas holsters such as the example accompanying this revolver. The extensive inspection, proof, and War Department markings present on this example reflect a prolonged and fully documented military service life rather than a single-period issue.

*Condition*
Deactivated this revolver cocks and dry-fires. The revolver shows honest service wear throughout, with finish loss, edge wear, and handling marks consistent with prolonged military use. All principal markings remain legible and well defined. The holster displays expected wear and age-related staining but remains sound and complete. Please see photographs as part of the condition report.

JAQDOOXIEO_273110072025