Webley Revolver Serial Number: 10 Service Revolvers Identified
Finding the Webley revolver serial number can be a little tricky. As the location may differ in various models and years of manufacturing. The best way to find it is by understanding each revolver and the precise component to look at.
This article will shed light on a quick guide on how you can find track serials and also provide general information on the Webley firearms (Model I to Mark VI Enfield).
Let’s get started!
A Quick Sneak Peek – The Webley Service Revolver
The Webley also is famously known as the self-extracting revolver:
- It was used as the standard service model in the British Army during the year 1887 to 1963.
- They produced several variants of it that chambered the .455 and .38/200 although the basic working mechanism remained unchanged.
- Mark 1 was initially produced with an estimated 10,000 copies.
- Later versions followed and contributed to the improvement of the standard design.
List of Serial Numbers for the Mark IV Service Revolvers
Check out the table below for details:
Webley Mark | Year of Manufacture | Serial Numbers Range (Mark Number) |
Mark III .38 Revolvers | 1925 – 1929 | Numbers 27800 – 32899 |
Mark III .38 Revolvers | 1929 – 1933 | Numbers 32900 – 39999 |
Mark IV Revolvers | 1929 – 1939 | Numbers 40000 – 42999 |
Mark IV .38 Revolvers | 1940 – 1941 | Numbers 43000 – 49999 |
Mark IV Revolvers | 1941 – 1942 | Numbers 60000 – 63799 |
Mark IV Revolvers | 1942 – 1942 | Numbers 63800 – 74299 |
Mark IV Revolvers | 1942 – 1943 | Numbers 74300 – 84399 |
Mark IV Revolvers | 1943 – 1943 | Numbers 84400 – 94499 |
Mark IV Revolvers | 1943 – 1943 | Numbers 94500 – 104599 |
Mark IV Revolvers | 1943 – 1943 | Numbers 104600 – 114699 |
Mark IV Revolvers | 1943 – 1944 | Numbers 114700 – 125699 |
Mark IV Revolvers | 1944 – 1944 | Numbers 125700 – 135799 |
Mark IV Revolvers | 1944 – 1944 | Numbers 135800 – 145899 |
Mark IV Revolvers | 1944 – 1944 | Numbers 145900 – 155999 |
Mark IV Revolvers | 1945 – 1945 | Numbers 156000 – 166099 |
Mark IV Revolvers | 1945 – 1945 | Numbers 166100 – 172219 |
Mark IV Revolvers | 1946 – 1949 | Numbers A1 – A14999 |
Mark IV Revolvers | 1949 – 1951 | Numbers A25000 – A44999 |
Mark IV Revolvers | 1951 – 1953 | Numbers A45000 – A54999 |
Mark IV Revolvers | 1953 – 1954 | Numbers A65000 – A74899 |
Mark IV Revolvers | 1954 – 1957 | Numbers A75000 – A94999 |
Mark IV Revolvers | 1949 – 1952 | Numbers A16000 – A24999 .32 cal |
Mark IV Revolvers | 1952 – 1954 | A55000 – A64999 .32cal |
Mark IV Revolvers | 1954 – 1959 | Numbers A85000 – A99999 .32cal |
Mark IV Revolvers | 1958 – 1964 | Numbers B12000 – B25099 .32 cal |
Mark IV Revolvers | 1951 – 1957 | Numbers A100000 – A100599 |
Mark IV Revolvers | 1957 – 1965 | Numbers B1 – B28599 |
Mark IV Revolvers | 1964 – 1968 | Numbers B28600 – B48599 |
Mark IV Revolvers | 1965 – 1965 | Numbers B31000 – B31999 .32 cal |
Mark IV Revolvers | 1965 – 1966 | Numbers B33000 – B33999 .32 cal |
Mark IV Revolvers | 1965 – 1966 | Numbers B35000 – B35999 .32 cal |
Mark IV Revolvers | 1966 – 1967 | Numbers B40000 – B40999 .32 cal |
Mark IV Revolvers | 1967 – 1967 | Numbers B43000 – B43838 .32 cal |
Mark IV Revolvers | 1968 – 1970 | Numbers B48600 – B68699 .32 & .38 mixed |
Mark IV Revolvers | 1970 – 1982 | Numbers B68700 – B88168 .32 & .38 mixed |
The serial number on the Mark IV is printed on different locations depending on the model and date of manufacturing. Here are some locations where you may find it:
- Cylinder: Check the sides of the cylinder and you will find it printed on it.
- Barrel: Look at the top or the bottom to locate the serial numbering near the frame.
- Frame: It might be present near the hinge and also the underside of the barrel.
Markings Printed on the Mark IV Identifying its Value/Models
The Mark IV is an interesting service revolver with a number printed in various ways. You may find multiple markings in different locations. Each one signifies specific information. Here are some interesting facts about them!
- There are some Mark IV revolvers printed with proof marks. These markings indicate the testing and certification of the guns/models in terms of reliability and safety.
- The most commonly found indications on a Mark IV service revolver are the manufacturer’s name written as “Webley & Scott” or “Webley Patents”.
- On most Mark IV revolvers, the model name is also present. For example, “Mark IV” or “Mark IV .38”.
- Special markings are also there on the revolvers to indicate military or police variants. They identify that this gun was issued to a specific department making it easy to understand its use.
Webley Service Revolvers from Model Mark I to Model Mark VI
These Service Revolvers were designed and manufactured by Webley & Scott (a British Company), they were:
- First introduced in the 19th century and produced till the late 20th century.
- Top-break, double-action, and 6-shot revolver types that had various models over the years.
- Widely used by the defense forces at that time and known for their ruggedness, reliability, and easy holstering.
Learn more about them by reading below!
Mark I
The Mark I was a top-break revolver first introduced in 1887.
- It has a six-shot cylinder that chambered a .442 Webley cartridge.
- It came with a larger frame than its previous model.
- The highest serial number was 41349.
Mark I*
The Mark I* was introduced for the first time in 1897.
- It was a modification of the Mark I, the locking mechanism was improved and it chambered the .455 Webley cartridge.
- The new safety feature prevented the revolver from firing if it was not fully closed.
Mark I**
The Mark I** was heavily modified and various improvements were made to the revolver although it still chambered the .455 caliber Webley cartridge.
- It was first introduced in 1913. The Mark I** had a shorter barrel, and the grip was redesigned for improved handling.
- It underwent some impressive redesigning when produced such as weight reduction, portability, and compact sizing.
Mark II
Introduced in 1894, the Mark II was boasted as a further improvement to the Mark I and other variants.
- The redesign consisted of an enhanced frame, cylinder, and a larger grip.
- It also chambered the .455 Webley cartridge like the Mark I* and Mark I**.
- The lowest and highest serial number for the Mark II was 39869 and 63282 respectively.
Mark II*
The Mark II* was an upgraded version of the previous model.
- It featured a modified hammer, a longer grip, an enhanced extractor, and some other slight enhancements to the design.
- This model also chambered the .455 caliber Webley cartridge and had a six-shot cylinder.
Mark III
Introduced in 1897, the Mark III was identical in design to the Mark II but it was fitted with a longer barrel and better sights.
- A collar on the cylinder combined with a crossbar underneath the holster guide kept it in place.
- Also, just a single locater pin swapped in for the extractor star.
- It has the lowest number of 101 and 80012 as the highest but the numbering didn’t continue from the previous model.
Mark IV
In 1899, the Mark IV was produced and it quickly rose to the status of being the most widely used revolver among the British military and police forces.
- The commercial sales especially have serials with the W.S Model in them.
- The six-shot cylinder chambered the .455 Webley cartridge which was more powerful than the .422 previous variant.
- The lowest and highest found serial numbers were 77503 and 130024.
Mark V
Still not satisfied with the design, Webley made more improvements to the Mark IV and later in 1913 came up with a newer model named the Mark V.
- The redesign consisted of changes to the cylinder and an improved ergonomic grip.
- The revolver chambered the .455 Webley cartridge.
- The lowest known serial number of this model was 129926, and the highest – was 214233.
Mark VI
A highly renowned model of the Webley revolvers, the commercial Mark VI was produced in 1915.
- Compared to previous models, it had a much larger frame for chambering the .455 Webley cartridge.
- The revolver was custom fitted with a cylinder allowing .45acp to be fired.
- The range of the Mark VI serial numbers was the same as the previous one. Started at 135000 and the highest was 455231.
Mark VI Enfield
The production date for the Enfield Mark VI dates between 1921 to 1926.
- Although Mark VI and Mark VI look visually indistinguishable the Royal Small Arms Factory stamped the word “Enfield”.
- Other slight modifications to the revolver were slimmer grips.
- About 32000 to 40000 were made and the serial numbering was 20,000 with no prefix, 10,000 with an A prefix, and up to 10,000 with a B prefix.
FAQ
How old is the Webley revolver?
The Webley revolvers date back to the mid-19th and late 20th century.
What is the price of a Webley revolver?
The price of Webley revolvers may vary depending on the model but they usually range from $209.99 to $229.99.
What year was the Webley revolver made?
The Weblet revolver was first made in the year 1853. The first revolver known was Longspur.
What is a Webley number 1?
The Webley Number 1 also known as the Mark VI was the last standard service pistol made by Webley. It is known to be the most widely produced firearm.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the serial number of Webley revolvers possesses precious information and unlocks insight into its model along with the manufacturing date.
We have gone through all the different eras of these firearms and also mentioned a couple of their serial numbers as well. This will help you in finding out your specific model just by matching it.
Subsequently, you can find out its use in the military, service record, and even rarity. Which era of Webly revolver do you have? Feel free to add it in the comments section below!
Tyler Purols
Tyler Purol is a professional Bowhunter. He has professional training in hunting. For many years he hunts regularly.