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The first patents for the Webley revolver were issued to brothers James and Phillip Webley in February and March of 1853. Prior to 1853 and up to 1867, Webley revolvers went through a period of development, including the percussion system, the pinfire, rimfire, and finally, the more common centerfire system. Webley made the early Webley pistols, while other makers in England and on the continent made pistols to the Webley design.
The early percussion revolvers were of the open frame design similar to the Colt 1851 or 1860. Of particular note are the three single action Longspur models. The Longspur was easily identified by its overly long hammer spur, and made in a pocket, holster or belt model, with barrel lengths from 3 1/2 to 7 inches, and in calibers from 54 bore to 120 bore.
Models (5)
FIRST MODEL LONGSPUR
barrel hinged to frame, sides of frame obscure hammer except for spur, and no attached rammer, ser. no. range 131-388. Mfg. 1853-1855.
Due to its rarity, this model in excellent condition will command a $5,000 minimum. In average condition (70-80%), a $3,000 value is not uncommon.
SECOND MODEL LONGSPUR
barrel still hinged to frame, hammer more visible, also featured rammer attached to frame, ser. no. range 199-969. Mfg. 1855-1857.
Due to its rarity, this model in excellent condition will command a $5,000 minimum. In average condition (70-80%), a $3,000 value is not uncommon.
THIRD MODEL LONGSPUR
barrel not hinged to frame but is secured with thumb screw to frame, compound rammer is attached to barrel side, ser. no. range 985-1602. Mfg. 1857-1867.
Due to its rarity, this model in excellent condition will command a $5,000 minimum. In average condition (70-80%), a $3,000 value is not uncommon.
WEDGE FRAME MODELS
between 1857 and 1859, Webley developed the "wedge frame" as a transition between the "open frame" of the Longspur and the final "solid frame" percussion pistol which would develop into the solid frame cartridge pistols that became a hallmark of the Webley brand. This model met with great success with numerous guns being produced during a short time, most were made with attached ram under barrel or side barrel, five or six shot cylinder, numerous calibers and barrel lengths. Few examples have survived. Mfg. 1857-1859.
Extreme rarity precludes accurate pricing on this model.
SOLID FRAME MODELS
the development of the solid frame percussion revolver offered a rigidity in frame design that would last into the modern revolver, few of the percussion revolvers with the solid frame were produced by Webley because of the development of more modern cartridge systems. Final development of the Webley solid frame revolver culminates with the arrival in 1867 of Webely's RIC No. 1, the model officially adopted by the Royal Irish Constabulary in Jan. 1868, presented to George A. Custer in 1869, and the model produced by Webley until the 1930s in one form or another.
Extreme rarity factor of solid frame percussion, pinfire, and rimfire models precludes accurate pricing.