This early Webley revolver conforms in every way to Webley's R.I.C. No.3 model revolvers however it predates that model name. Collectors therefore refer to these as the Pre R.I.C. No.3. dating from the early 1870's, the RIC No.3 revolvers appears to be Webley's attempt at producing a simpler and cheaper version of the popular RIC No.1 revolver. Although utilsing the same frame, 4 screw lock work and cylinder as the RIC No.1, this model has no extractor rod. Some revolvers of this type are fitted with extractor rod screwed into the grip cap but this example was no extractor whatsoever. The revolver is loaded conventionally through a side opening loading gate on the right frame but extraction is completed by removing the cylinder and using the cylinder pin to push out the empty cases. In practice, users often pushed the cartridges out with a pencil or whatever suitable was on hand.  The other notable difference with the RIC No.3 is the large cylinder pin release toggle on the left frame.

This revolver is fitted with a short 2½” (63mm) barrel with right frame showing the serial number 7093 along with the Webley & Son flying bullet trademark and an oval WEBLEY'S PATENT stamp. The top strap is engraved with the retailer TRULOCK & HARRISS, 9 DAWSON ST, DUBLIN.

Around 600 R.I.C. No.3 and Pre R.I.C. No.3 revolvers were supplied to the Queensland Government  between 1872 and 1883. They are usually marked with a Q.G. often with a rack number. This revolver isn't one of the Queensland examples but dates to about 1872.

Further Reading:

1) Black, Davis & Michaud; Webley Solid Frame Revolvers, Models RIC, MP and No.5; Schiffer Publishing, 2010.

2) Bruce & Reinhart; Webley Revolvers; Verlag Stocker-Schmid, 1988.

3) Dowell; The Webley Story; Skyrac Press, 1962.