July 30th 2016 Premier Firearms Sale (20)
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 7/30/2016
Caliber .55 Eley, barrel length is 6". The Webley-Fosbury automatic revolver first appeared on the market in 1901, but was introduced at the Bisley meeting in July of 1900. It is always referred to as the automatic revolver but is in actuality a recoil operated revolver. It is unique in its design as no other revolver has been marketed that is operated by a self cocking system. When it was introduced there was not a single self loading pistol that shot the .455 British Government service cartridge. The recoil from each shot fired would automatically cock the hammer for the next shot as well as rotate the cylinder to the next position. The cylinder held six cartridges and has the Webley top break design with the distinctive zig zag cuts on the exterior of the cylinder. It came standard with the octagon barrel and blue finish with checkered black vulcanite (or walnut) grips and lanyard ring. Both sides of the hammer are finely checkered. The barrel release lever is on the left side. Left side of top strap is stamped "Webley-Fosbury". Left side of frame has the Webley & Scott winged bullet logo and stamped "455 Cordite". Has a left side safety, a high front sight, and fixed rear. Top strap is stamped "P Webley & Son, London & Birmingham". Top of the frame has cylinder release button. The Webley has a cycle rate of one shot per second, compared to the Single Action Army with one shot every two seconds. It is the robust revolver. It became a very popular weapon with the British officers during the first World War. Revolver was designed by George Vincent Fosbury. Its most noted screen appearance was in the Humphrey Bogart movie "The Maltese Falcon". This example is in lovely all original condition. The grip straps have turned a grey patina, there is high edge wear at muzzle, and the cylinder is a mix of blue-grey patina. Sides of the barrel are thinning a bit. Frame and balance of gun retain approximately 80% original factory blue finish. Grips are near mint. All legends are sharp. Numerous British proof marks. Cylinder will not rotate in single action mode as by design and only moves forward upon the recoil of a fired cartridge. All matching numbers. It is an interesting revolver, extremely difficult to find and is unique in the world of hand guns. This revolver is housed in a leather carry case with velvet lining, three empty cartridge boxes, Holland & Holland gold plated oil container, brass cleaning rod, and a wood handle English turn screw. Label is a contemporary reproduction and leather case is excellent. Lovely all original and extremely desirable early English big bore revolver.