WWII Webley Mark IV .38 S&W 1942-1943 War Finish Double Action RevolverOur Assessment: This Webley and Scott designed Mark IV Revolver has an interesting genesis. At the end of WWI the British government concluded that the .455 caliber cartridge was no longer suited for service and that a new cartridge was needed. The new service caliber was .38 firing a 200-grain bullet (hence the designation .38/200; the cartridge is almost identical to .38 Smith & Wesson). Webley & Scott did not take long to present a service revolver chambered for the cartridge. Much to their dismay the Royal Small Arms Factory at Enfield developed a nearly identical revolver, the Enfield No. 2 Mk. 1, and despite the external similarities the Enfield and Webley had completely different internal mechanisms and their parts were not interchangeable. Webley and Scott felt they were being slighted by the government and filed a complaint over the issue. The government claimed that the revolver had originally been designed by Captain Henry C. Boys, and thus Webley and Scott were not owed any compensation. Following some wrangling, Webley & Scott were purportedly awarded 1,250 pounds (half of what they had requested in damages). The firm had lost their military contract, for it was cheaper for the British Army to use guns made at a government arsenal, and Webley and Scott began to focus on commercial sales. Despite this, when WWII broke out the British military was in dire need of arms and approximately 126,000 Mark IV Webley & Scott revolvers were ordered during the conflict. The Mark IV remained a popular revolver on the commercial market until it was discontinued sometime between 1978-79.This particular Webley Mark IV was MANUFACTURED originally for service during WWII. It has the distinct "WAR FINISH" stamp on the left side of the frame which indicates it was pressed into service during the conflict, the mark was placed by Webley & Scott to indicate to users that a higher quality finish could be expected during peacetime production of the handgun. The gun also has surviving British government markings further indicating the gun was accepted for military service. The gun was eventually retired and it was reproofed by the London Proof House for commercial sales. This gun is a solid option for WWII history aficionados and fans of historical firearms. Please see our photos, good luck and happy bidding! Robert
Make: Webley & Scott (no import marking)
Model: Mark IV .38/200 Service Revolver
Serial Number: 78933
Year of Manufacture: 1940s
Caliber: .38/200 Webley (.38 S&W)
Action Type: Single or Double Action Top Break Revolver with Left Side Thumb Release
Barrel Length: Approximately 5"
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a half-round blade fixed to a raised base on the barrel. The rear sight is a square notch at the bottom of a "V" in the top of the barrel latch.
Grip Configuration & Condition: The grips are black plastic checkered panels with a smooth area at the top of the grips and Webley logo in an oval. These grips show light to moderate wear from handling and storage. There are small scratches, tiny nicks and scratch marks. These grips rate in about Good to Very Good overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with sharp rifling. The grooves show some light erosion. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates a 9 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 96% of its metal finish. The metal shows light scratches and finish loss on some leading edges. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions Correctly. The action locks up tight with a lot of play for each chamber. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a more thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
CA LEGALITY: C&R: YES, CA DEALER Transferable: YES, CA PPT: NO.
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