Webley first produced a solid frame, double-action revolver in 1867 and was adopted by the newly formed Royal Irish Constabulary in 1868. It seemed that from its inception these cartridges were procured through other than military channels. However, during 1892/93 a military design, namely the “CARTRIDGE SA BALL PISTOL .442 INCH MARK I” was approved, but none were manufactured at Woolwich, so it would seem that these were all manufactured commercially under contract by the Army Contract Department by Kynoch, Eley and Birmingham Small Arms & Metal Co. (Erlmeier, Brandt Ref. 425)