[1][2][3] The first commercially available percussion revolver was developed by Samuel Colt in 1834; serial production began in 1836 at his first factory in Paterson, New Jersey.

Among them were brothers James and Philip Webley, whose workshop in Birmingham was producing percussion rifles and pistols since 1835.

[11][12][13] Some later Webleys had a closed frame strapped together at the top, giving them greater strength and durability than the Colts of the time.

[15][16] The earliest models of Webley revolver had a ramrod that was screwed perpendicularly into the handle of the gun.

This was not a very practical option, so later models had an attached ramrod, with the two main types: Although sturdy and reliable revolvers for their time, Webley Longspur faced heavy competition on the British market from the already established, popular brands of Colt Navy and Adams revolvers.