Revolver Webley Mark VI 156xxx (1915)

The Mark VI is by far the best-known Webley service revolver.

A total of around 300,000 were produced between 1915 and 1939 (including those made in Enfield from 1921 onwards, see below), 280,000 of which during the First World War.

The most obvious changes from its predecessor are the stock and barrel (6 inches).

Apart from this, and a slight change to the barrel-locking clamp, all parts are interchangeable with those of the previous model.

Serial numbers are consistent with those of the Mark V; they start at around 135,000 and the highest known number is 455,231.

The Mark VI has much in common with the Webley WS New Army and with the Webley Wilkinson Model 1905, Model 1910 and Model 1911.

There is speculation that the Mark VI was proposed by the Webley firm to pay off the machines that had been developed to manufacture the WS, machines that until then had been little used.

When the supply of .455-caliber ammunition proved problematic, a number of Mark VIs were modified to fire the 45 ACP cartridge in "half-moon" clips, like Colt Model 1917 revolvers and Smith & Wesson Model 1917s. The transformation involves shortening the rear of the barrel by 0.060", i.e. 1.5 mm.