Description

Manufacturer: Webley
Retailer: James Rosier, Melbourne, Australia
Country / Era: England / Australia, 1800s
Type/Model: Solid frame revolver
Caliber: .38
Barrel Length: 3″
Grips: Checkered walnut
Markings: “James Rosier – Melbourne” on the top strap
Finish: About 40% blue
Bore: Excellent
Includes: Original red felt-lined English oak case with brass carry handles (replaced label); no accessories
Antique

This is a Webley solid frame revolver in .38 caliber. It has the 3″ barrel with checkered walnut grips, and the top strap is marked “James Rosier – Melbourne.” It still has about 40% blue, and the bore is excellent. It comes with the original red felt-lined English oak case, which has a replaced label. The case is in Very Good+ condition, with unique brass carry handles. Sorry, no accessories are included. Antique.

James Watson Rosier (1834–1920) was one of Melbourne’s best-known gunmakers. He opened his business in 1857, became gunmaker to the Governor of Victoria in 1875 and supplied firearms to the Victorian Police. In 1870 he converted 250 Colt Navy revolvers for the police to fire metallic cartridges.

Fun fact: Rosier played a part in the Ned Kelly story. During the hunt for the Kelly Gang, he supplied guns to the police, and in 1879 he refused to sell ammunition to Kelly’s associates and alerted the authorities.

SKU: W3552