1944 Webley MK4 38 War Finish

Status
Not open for further replies.

Lokichoki

Member
Joined
Nov 2, 2016
Messages
297
My grandfather had this Webley in for repair at a gunsmith since 2012 and just received it back today, the hand was broke, unfortunately the so called gunsmith failed to mention that the stop wasn't operable and in single action could very easily become mis aligned. My question in does anyone know the value of this revolver other than the cylinder stop it is excellent condition id like to the know value if it was in perfect working order, these webleys must of had a real deep blue cause there is hardly any wear on the common areas and all the numbers match 1944 Webley MK4 38 War Finish https://imgur.com/a/UyhgjVM
 
  • Like
Reactions: mcb
Thanks for letting me know, it is its crazy to think my Grandfather waited 8years to get a hand replaced just to have them not tell him about the cylinder stop, there 2 on this revolver I guess one limits rotation distance the other locks it in place instead of like most revolvers that have one that does the job
 
I've seen prices in the $200-300 range for "war finish" Mk IV's. Usually dinged up, chipped grips, etc. Like they were loose in a bin; pretty much describes the one I have. The lanyard ring is a plus, many have been ground off. The serial number of the OP's puts it as 1942 production - mine is 71xxx . Parts appear to be available - if you want to pay $40 for the cylinder stop to get it shootable. I don't think Dad ever fired it but it looks like it was in the field at some time. Just for fun I'd like an original or replica holster for it.

The cylinder stop may not be broken; when you cock the hammer ("single action") there is some play in the cylinder but when the trigger is pulled the lockup is tight, the bolt stop moves up a bit. Does yours lock up OK in "double action"?
 
It doesn't move up during any part of the engagement, the one that's closest to the back moves up when the trigger is pulled but the one thats forward of that doesn't, its like there are two stops one limits rotation distance and one to locks in the cylinder the later is the issue. Im glad you said 1942 online dates told me that serial range was 1944. I would think it would bring more value than $300, auction sites ive followed have them in similar condition people still bid at $650+. My biggest thing is even with all the info I've read there's always that nagging in the back of my head that maybe somehow this one has provenance, like maybe it popped Ferdinand the 2nd haha
 
Yeah...sounds like the bolt stop is broken. I think it was Numrich that had one when I went looking earlier. Surprised that parts are still available. You would think that the Brits kept records of issued weapons but after almost 80 years....
Provenance might be a bit hard to come by. Maybe the Queen carried one when she drove trucks during the war?
The serial number range came up as 1942 on a search today and I found the same searching when I got the gun.
The guy at my gunshop in AR had one that he said he was keeping just for the serial number: xx666
 
So definitely 1942, I knew it! the queen packed this, perfesser can I get that in writing :) . I remember she used to shoot it wildly in the air
 
Thanks for the reply, I knew the $300 was definitely underselling it but wasn't sure of what there fetching.
 
I think $400 is a ballpark value, even with the broken part. I'm sure it can be repaired.

One good thing is that it still has the full height of the front sight. It's common to find these with the front sight filed down, so as to be more accurate with currently available ammunition (.38 S&W). The wartime ammunition had much heavier bullets (but paradoxically must have been flatter shooting).
 
I think $400 is a ballpark value, even with the broken part. I'm sure it can be repaired.

One good thing is that it still has the full height of the front sight. It's common to find these with the front sight filed down, so as to be more accurate with currently available ammunition (.38 S&W). The wartime ammunition had much heavier bullets (but paradoxically must have been flatter shooting).

Not flatter shooting, but recoiling higher faster. The front sight height for the 174-200gr loads has to be higher to account for the extra little bit the bore raises after recoil starts but before the bullet exits the barrel.
 
The .38 145/200 is the actual cartridge for this revolver. The 200 referrers to a 200 grn lead round nose bullet. I didn't find any reference to the 145, so I won't comment on that. The caliber is .38. Yes, the .38 S.W. (not .38 Special) will fit and fire, but as has been said, it will not be very accurate. I have searched several parts companies and ,although they show them, they are out of stock. A trained and " competent" gunsmith may be able to repair or make a new one. Value is relative.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top