The Webley-Pryse was first manufactured in 1877. The barrel has a round blade front sight, "W. GRIFFITHS. MANCHESTER" on top, arrow and "WEBLEY'S/No 4/476 CF" on the left at the breech, and the Webley & Scott winged bullet emblem on the left side of the barrel lug. The top strap has a notch rear sight at the rear. The frame is inscribed "KENNETH GIRDWOOD" on each side below the cylinder and has the Girdwood family crest on the top behind the hammer. "7694" is on the left side of the frame.. The rear of the cylinder has "13," "5," and "694." Blade front and notch rear sights, with "ARMY & NAVY C.S.L." on the barrel rib, "WEBLEY'S/No 4/455 CF" and the "winged bullet" logo on the left side of the barrel, and matching numbers on the cylinder. It is fitted with a checkered walnut grip and a lanyard ring on the butt. The case has a cock over a torse above "KENNETH GIRDWOOD" on a banner on the lid escutcheon, William Griffiths trade label for 70 Bridge Street in Manchester, a Kenneth Girdwood calling type card adhered inside the lid, a cartridge block, seven Kynoch .450 revolver cartridges, a screwdriver, oil bottle, and cleaning rod. The crest on the case lid and frame matches that of the Girdwood family of Scotland as described in "The British Herald. . ." by Robson. Multiple Girdwoods served as officers in the U.K. military in the era, but nothing concerning Kenneth Girdwood is known.
Excellent with 90% plus original nickel plating, minor cylinder drag lines and slight pitting on the cylinder, some light edge wear, minor dings in the otherwise crisp checkering on the grip, distinct markings, and general minor handling and storage wear. Mechanically fine. The case and accessories are fine with mild storage wear, including some slight chips at the edge of the case. This is certainly among the finest Webley-Pryse revolvers we have had the pleasure of bringing to auction.
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