Historical Webley Pryse, Wilkinson, British Revolver, ANTIQUE, O-111

Description

Synopsis:

Beautiful high condition, well documented, and all matching British Webley Pryse Revolver, retailed by Wilkinson & Son in London, cased with accessories and replete with documentation relevant to the original purchaser W. MacGregor, a doctor turned Governor of Fiji, New Guinea, Lagos, Newfoundland and Queensland in his later years. Check out his Wikipedia page!

Description:

This large frame, single action/double action nickel revolver with fixed sights and 5 5/8-inch barrel, was retailed by Wilkinson & Son, and sold to W.McGregor in 1885. Documentation provided by Richard Milner LTD, well-known British historian, includes a letter and a scan from the Wilkinson sales book that specifically showed this revolver as sold to MacGregor under entry #7947 in February, 1885. As typical of that period, the retailer name has been neatly scribed on top of the barrel rib. Ownership to MacGregor, in a very similar style, was applied to the bottom barrel flat. Rear face of the cylinder, marked with a matching ‘350’ along with 2 other inspection numbers. Fitted with a single piece wraparound walnut grip whose surface was largely checkered. On the bottom of the left side is number ‘7947’ that corresponds to the sales entry. Revolver is complete with walnut case, compartmentalized with the revolver, oil bottle, ebony handled turn screw, cleaning rod, and an ammo block partially filled with 11 cartridges.

The research dossier for Sir William MacGregor shows he became an MD in 1872, accepted the post of medical officer to the Seychelles in 1873 and had an illustrious career in colonial administration including governorships of Fiji, New Guinea, Lagos, Newfoundland and Queensland. He became a Privy Counsellor in 1914. He was praised as a colonial governor for his humanitarian leadership and scientific approach to addressing problems.

Condition:

Near excellent original nickel finish, approximately 95-97% coverage, with expected sharp edge wear, light scuffing, and superficial oxidation (especially on buttcap) as one might expect from a carefully carried handgun after nearly 150 years. Comparable condition grips, oil darkened, with a scattering light handling marks and superficial bruising. Very bright bore, minimal oxidation, sharp rifling. Correct manual mechanics. Now in walnut case, whose interior seems to have been re-purposed for this revolver, and associated accouterments, with accessories in excellent condition. Your opportunity to own a significant piece of British history with solid attribution to a historical figure!