Webley MkVI in leather holster

[Patrick Chadwick]

This is a copy of a post on the British Militaria Forum The pictures are not displayed on that forum, so I hope that they will be visible here and somebody can answer my questions.

Up to now I have only seen Webleys in the canvas holsters. But I have just acquired a 1918 Mark VI. Number 102xxx, with "SOS" arrows and BNP civilian proof marks.

Attachment 25231

Obviously "low mileage", in perfect shooting condition, no wobbles, shakes or grinds, and with a fading blue finish rubbed in the places one would expect.

Attachment 25235

If you can't read the markings, that is because of my poor photography - they are all there, crisp and clear.

And it came packed in this:

Attachment 25232

Which I presume to be a military holster, as it has a square buckle on the back (can someone please tell me what that is for)

Attachment 25233

and a little brass lug on a side flap at the front,

Attachment 25234

which I can only assume is for the lanyard. Could someone please post a photo of the correct lanyard, and reveal how it was fixed so that it did not slip off the lug? Or is the square buckle for the lanyard? In which case, what is the purpose of this lug?

And finally - the leather is supple, but the original black surface finish has cracked and softened to the point where it comes off if you merely brush it with a fingernail. How can I preserve the leather? - I want to shoot the revolver, not keep it in a showcase! I would appreciate any advice based on long-term personal experience. I say long-term because what I have found on the forums varies from "do nothing at all" to complexe soaking and drying recipes, and some of that may be quick fixes that harm the leather over a long period.

Does the black finish give any clue as to the service use of this revolver? There are no regimental markings. Was it perhaps accepted by the army and then quickly sold out of service as surplus at the end of WW1?

Thanks for any information and advice!

Patrick

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