Question for the Webley guys

[Killer Kanuck]

Just stopped by the post office and picked up the Mark 1 I've been patiently ( ) waiting for. It's an obvious refinish due to some small pitting under the blue. But, I was just wondering if they ever refinished them at the arsenals. Reason I'm asking is because it's the proper black color, as opposed to the blue tint you get with just about all home blue kits. Hopefully the color will show up in the pics.

Another question - just about all I've seen have the broad arrow across the topstrap. This one has them on the trigger, screws, latch, etc, but none on the topstrap. That normal?

And finally - what do these markings mean (on the back of the grip strap)?

 

[green]

IMHO
Issued in Oct. 1899 (10 99) to the Highland Light Infantry rack # 4. Just at the start of the Boer War in which the HLI served. Revolvers were ordnance reblued.

 

[Killer Kanuck]

You can't really see it in the picture, but it's "1.H.L.I" and it's "14" at the bottom. Would that be the 1st battalion of the Highland Light Infantry?

 

[dingus]

Very Nice looking MKI!
Can you see the flying bullet logo and the MKI stamp on the left side of the Frame below the cylinder ?
A close up of the other Markings would help.
Does it have any little WDs on it.
as in war department.
any stampings on the back strap?
Id guess its a Private Officer purchase.
But cant say without more close up pics of the left side of the gun.
Is there a 455/476 on the barrels side?

 

[Killer Kanuck]

Plenty of War Department stamps and broad arrows, just nothing on the topstrap.
Pics of the other markings

 

[John Sukey]

If it had a Broad arrow on the top strap it would probably be Navy issue. Don't know why the Navy did it that way.
Oh by the waym some Mk1's had the "ump" removed from the backstrap when arsenal refurbished. Again, I have no idea why.

 

[green]

The 1 would be for 1st battalion. It is definitely an issue revolver.

 

[Killer Kanuck]

The 1 would be for 1st battalion. It is definitely an issue revolver.

Thanks. Any idea how common/rare issue markings on the grip are? It's the first time I've heard of them.

 

[dingus]

Thanks. Any idea how common/rare issue markings on the grip are? It's the first time I've heard of them.

I have handled and inspected ALOT of Webleys all kinds and havent had one Marked like yours by marking i meen that 1899 on the grip with them other markings.
Id say its a Rare gun hang onto it.
I will send that Picture to a Webley Expert i know see what he thinks.
He has Freinds in England who are into theses in a big way.