The James Webley patent “Longspur” revolver is one of the most distinctive British percussion revolvers, the present example being a 2nd Model retailed by the famous northern English gun maker W.R. Pape of Newcastle on Tyne. The case lid escutcheon is engraved with the crest and name “JOSEPH CRAWHALL ESQR./MORPETH”, Crawhall (1821-1896) being a famous wood engraver and author on fishing and traditional Northumbrian music and ballads. Crawhall "collections" are to be found at Newcastle-upon-Tyne University in England and UCLA in California. The revolver features a blued octagonal barrel engraved with a band of stylized running foliage at the muzzle, a cone-shaped front sight, signed “W.R. PAPE. NEWCASTLE ON TYNE” and struck on the underside with Birmingham proof marks. Cylinder engraved with a similar band to the muzzle, the chambers are numbered from “1” to “6” and struck with further Birmingham proof marks. The frame, trigger guard and grip strap are all engraved with scrollwork, the back strap signed “674/BY HER MAJESTY’S ROYAL LETTERS PATENT” and the inspection plate to left side of the framed signed “WEBLEY’S PATENT”. The right side of the frame fitted with the rammer, and with figured walnut grips each with panel of bold checkering. The revolver is housed in its mahogany fitted case lined in green baize, the interior of the lid with original Webley’s Patent printed label with directions for loading and cleaning, the upper right corner of the label with pencil written date “Jan. 22nd. 1857”. The case contains a suite of accessories including Adams 120 bore brass bullet mold, brass mounted copper Hawksley powder flask, cleaning rod with brass mounted worm, bullet tins and four spare percussion nipples. The revolver is accompanied by a copy of the book “Joseph Crawhall: The Newcastle Wood Engraver, 1821-1896” by Charles S. Felver.

Fine with crisp engraving throughout. The barrel retains 85% original deep blue finish with 10% remaining on the frame in sheltered areas. The cylinder retains slight traces of original casehardened finish with the hammer retaining 90% and the rammer 40% original faded casehardened finish. The remainder of the metal a dull grey patina. Checkering to the grips remains crisp and sharp. Mechanically excellent. The case is very good with some age related storage and handling marks externally, the key escutcheon is detached but present in the bullet tin, and there is a repair around the front edge of the lid around the lock. The lining is good with some age mottling, and the lid is possibly an older relining. The accessories are very good.