Webley mk II prook mark driving me nuts

Cpt Fancy Briches

Cpt Fancy Briches

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I just got a Mk II Webley (no * or **) all matching and with not as many proof marks as I would think. I managed to figure out the "crown over vk over flags over 2p" to be the second proofing mark, the "broad arrow over WD" as war department (meaning government owed) and the broad arrow on every part to just mean "OK". The last one I can't find any information about and is bugging me. Its a simple "crown over B over 9" and other then it may be related to Birmingham I am at a loss.

here are some pictures:

1zbrnds.jpg

2dqqaet.jpg

2dtoyua.jpg


And on a side note, how common is this apparent restraint in stamping a British firearm? I was under the impression the British went a little heavy on the proofing stamp side.
 
Check the antique proofmark database (click here), specifically British proofmarks appendix D #78.

It's likely a view mark done at a later time than 1855 ;). Probably around 1895 view mark. Does it have the broad arrow on the top strap? If not the lack of markings can be explained in it being a civilian.

The British were pretty heavy on marking, but most of that was for military markings, or military arms that were re-proofed upon entering the civilian market.
 
Its not in that sticky (EDIT: Sorry I should say its not well explained in that sticky as I don't know what the B or the 9 represent. That it is a view mark I got early, but by whom and when?) and its not civilian as it has the WD (war department) stamp.

There are no regiment stamps or arrow on the top strap. There is not even the double arrow they put on these when the get sold off or retired.

If I can figure this out I would like to add to the proof mark database as from what I looked up there is a bit of a gap for this era. (I even had to look up what VR stood for as was having a brain fart and could not connect V to Victoria and R to Rex)
 
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Thank you, that makes sense.

Now I just have to figure out why this was taken in by the government then never issued or released (stolen? Forgotten?)

Oh and shoot it. Definitely got to do that today.
 
Lettering on your Second Proof mark is not VK but VR: VICTORIA REGINA.

The gun has Birmingham markings because it was made there.

If you can find out who Inspector Number 9 was, do let the rest of us know. There will be a lot of people interested.
 
You also have crown R over 8 on the trigger guard.

Note that the broad arrow is not a proof mark, but an ownership mark. The broad arrow on most every part is an attempt to prevent any part of the gun so-marked from being re-used in a civilian arm.

I'll call up the Birmingham Proof House Master in the morning and let you know what, if anything, I find out about inspectors and their names.

tac
 
tacfoley said:
KING Victoria?

I think not.

tac
Click to expand...

Sorry I guess in this case it is short for "reign" not "rex", not really trying to say she was manly or something. This is my first British firearm so I am a little "wet behind the ears" when it comes to the standards, stamps and backgrounds.

I would love any information on this as it is interesting to learn the background. I did not know you could just call up the proof house and ask who number 9 was in 1895, if so my hat is off to whoever keeps those books.

On another note, I test fired the old revolver today (52 times...). Worked like a charm, if somewhat inaccurate. I am amazed at how nice it is to shoot such a large projectile.
 
Cpt Fancy Briches said:
If I can figure this out I would like to add to the proof mark database as from what I looked up there is a bit of a gap for this era. (I even had to look up what VR stood for as was having a brain fart and could not connect V to Victoria and R to Rex)
Click to expand...

Feminine R = Regina = Queen
Masculine R = Rex = King
 
Regina is Latin for Queen, as in the name of Regina SK.

I've emole the curator of the B'ham Proof House Museum who is not in today. I'll expect a reply of some kind later this week, no doubt.

In my experience, both the London and Birmingham Proof Hice are extremely helpful in cases like this - certainly, the very fine lady in the London PH was a hoot to talk to.

tac
t
 
I have a question for you guys, not to hi jack the thread , but my mk 2 has a marking of N over 73 which I can't find any info on , checked earlier references no luck . I'm guessing n is navy but the 73 is the ?
 
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