This Webley & Scott Mark IV is a British double-action top-break revolver chambered in .38/200 (also known as .38 S&W with 200-grain loading), manufactured during World War II. Serial number 109453. It bears the distinctive "WAR FINISH" marking on the frame, indicating wartime production where Webley prioritized function over cosmetic refinement to meet urgent military demand.
This revolver is a distinguished part of the private collection of HRH Victor Emmanuel of Savoy, son of the last King of Italy, Umberto II. An authentic Certificate of Ownership accompanies this piece.
Historical Significance
The Webley Mark IV .38/200 was the standard British military sidearm throughout World War II, serving alongside the Enfield No. 2 Mk I revolver. Approximately 126,000 Webley Mark IVs were purchased by the British government during the war to supplement Enfield production, which could not keep pace with wartime demand.
"War Finish" marked revolvers are particularly sought after by collectors, as they represent authentic wartime production — Webley applied this stamp to differentiate wartime guns from their higher-polish peacetime commercial production, ensuring buyers understood the rougher finish was a deliberate wartime economy measure, not a quality defect.
The Webley Mark IV served the British and Commonwealth forces from 1940 until it was officially retired in 1963, seeing action in the North African Campaign, the Italian Campaign, D-Day, the Korean War, the Malayan Emergency, and the Suez Crisis. Many were also dropped to resistance units in occupied Europe.
Technical Specifications
- Manufacturer: Webley & Scott Ltd., Birmingham, England
- Model: Mark IV .38
- Year: WWII era (War Finish production)
- Serial Number: 109453
- Caliber: .38/200 (.38 S&W)
- Action: Double-action, top-break with automatic extraction
- Cylinder Capacity: 6 rounds
- Barrel Length: 127 mm (5")
- Overall Length: 260 mm
- Weight: 0.76 kg (unloaded)
- Sights: Fixed blade front, notch rear
- Finish: War Finish (matte, utilitarian Parkerized-style)
- Grips: Black checkered hard rubber with "Webley" medallion
Markings
- Frame left side: "MARK IV .38" + "WAR FINISH"
- Top of barrel: "WEBLEY & SCOTT LTD"
- Serial number 109453 on frame
- British proof marks visible on barrel and cylinder
- "Webley" logo on both grip panels
Condition
Good overall condition consistent with a WWII-era service revolver. War Finish surface shows honest wear and handling marks. Black hard rubber grips intact with clear "Webley" medallions on both sides. Top-break mechanism functions properly. Cylinder lockup appears solid. No visible cracks or damage.
What's Included
- 1x Webley & Scott Mark IV .38/200 revolver (S/N 109453)
- 1x Original fabric holster
- Certificate of Ownership — V.E. de Savoie Collection
