This Webley style revolver is based on the famed Royal Irish Constabulary revolver pattern first introduced in 1867 and very few were manufactured from 1885 to 1900. This example marked "SILVER & FLETCHER PATENT 'THE EXPERT'" on top of the barrel and "S.W. SILVER & Co/CORNHILL LONDON" on the top of the frame. The later are retailer/outfitter marks, and the gun was likely produced by Webley or a licensed firm. The left side of the barrel is marked "450," and the serial number is marked on the left side of the frame. The frame and cylinder feature bordered machined finish. It is equipped with a an extractor that pulls out of the cylinder pin and pivots to the right to push out empty cases and a hammer safety marked "PATENT" on the left that prevents the firing pin from striking the primer by a rotating knob. The extracting system can also work with the casehardened loading gate fully open. Opening the loading gate allows the a pivoting hook to engage the rim of a spent cartridge and the hammer falling on the hook ejects the cartridge. The front of the frame is marked "157." The underside of the barrel is marked "5." Each cylinder flute is stamped with a British proof. Additional British proofs are found on the lower right side of the frame and on the left side of the barrel. The front cylinder face is numbered to the gun with the partial serial number "3422." It is fitted with a checkered one-piece grip and lanyard loop. The rare hammer safety mechanism is seen on similar Webley R.I.C. No. 1 New Models and a Webley No. 5 on page 69 and 96 of "Webley Revolvers" by Bruce and Reinhart. The revolver comes in a brass mounted mahogany case with a S.W. Silver oval label on the inside of the lid, an empty cartridge block and a glass oiler.

Very fine. The revolver retains 80% plus original high polished blue finish with the balance a mix of brown speckling and smooth gray patina. The grips are excellent with overall crisp checkering. Mechanically excellent. The case is very good showing some high spot wear and soiling on the lining and some minor handling/storage marks.