This design was patented by James Webley on March 29, 1853, and he died in 1856. However, his brother, Philip Webley, and his company continued to manufacture innovative revolvers into the 20th century. Most of these already rare "long spur" revolvers were manufactured with octagonal barrels, but this example, manufactured around 1855, has a round barrel with blued finish, three groove rifling, border engraving at the muzzle, a dovetailed blade front sight, and Birmingham proofs on the bottom. The casehardened cylinder has light engraving around the front, alternating numbers and Birmingham proofs at the rear, and notches between the chambers. The distinctive "long spur" hammer is also casehardened and has some scroll engraving. The blued frame has coordinating scrollwork engraving, "WEBLEY"S PATENT" in a banner on the left, "443" just behind the hammer and inside the trigger guard, "BY HER MAJESTY'S ROYAL LETTERS PATENT" inscribed down the back strap, and a lanyard loop on the butt. The casehardened loading rammer is also engraved en suite. The ebony grips have fine checkering with silver pins in the larger diamonds and shell carving on the top flats. The mahogany case has green baize lining and is fitted to the revolver and the following included accessories: G. & J.W. Hawksley powder flask, two cap tins, nipple wrench, "WD" and 48" marked bullet mold, oiler, key, and rod. A paper dated April 1, 1869, (receipt?) is also within the case. Provenance: The W.W. Greener Collection and the Bernard Hinchley Collection.

Exceptionally fine overall. 75% bright original high polish blue finish remains along with 70% of the original case colors. Most of the loss is along the back strap which has smooth gray patina, and the engraving and markings remain crisp. The excellent grips have minor handling and storage marks, crisp checkering and carving, and some light scratches. Mechanically excellent. The case and accessories are all very fine and have mild age and storage related wears. These revolvers, let along cased sets, are very rarely available in the U.S. and scarcely seen anywhere with round barrels. All of the few that we have sold have had octagon barrels.