Webley Mark II markings

[critter928]

Could anyone shed some light on some markings on one of my Webley mark II's?

In particular all the date stamps and the "RERA" on the backstrap.

Any idea of where it was issued and seen service?

Thanks in advance for any input.

[breakeyp]

The barrel date of Jan 1914 does not jibe with the 1898 and 1899 inspection dates on the frame. Does the frame and barrel serial number match?

[critter928]

The barrel date of Jan 1914 does not jibe with the 1898 and 1899 inspection dates on the frame. Does the frame and barrel serial number match?

All numbers are matching from frame, barrel, and cylinder.

The SN is in the low 43,000 range and has the full number stamped on barrel just above pivot hinge point, on frame just below pivot hinge point, and outer rim of the cylinder (my other Webley MK II only has the last 3 of the serial number on the cylinder).



I was also curious as to the difference between the 1 * 14 date on the barrel above the cylinder in the photo, the 5/14 on the backstrap, and the inspection dates on the lower frame below the cylinder.

Lots going on there.

At least, (thanks to GrantR) I have learned the RERA stands for RIDING ESTABLISHMENT ROYAL ARTILLERY.

Now just to figure out why all the different dates.