GUN FALL 2015
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/5/2015
WEBLEY FOSBERY M1901 REVOLVER, TARGET MODEL, MARKED FOR COGSWELL & HARRISON. WEBLEY FOSBERY M1901 790 .455 MODERN; IMPORT Cal. .455. Scarce Webley Fosbery M1901 Target model, blued, with large cyl & frame, smooth thin trigger, with usual self-cocking mechanism/zig-zag cyl, having a 7-1/2" bbl, with a fixed barleycorn front sight & drift adjustable rear sight blade. Levered top break release. Bbl rib marked "COGSWELL & HARRISON LTD. 226. STRAND & 141 NEW BOND ST LONDON." Left side of top strap is marked “WEBLEY FOSBERY AUTOMATIC”; left side of frame has the Webley flying bullet logo followed by “.455 CORDITE ONLY”. SN "790" is on the right side of the frame & repeated under the bbl (under the right bbl flange) & on front face of cyl. Early British proof marks between each cyl recess. Mounted on left side of frame is a thumb safety that, when engaged in the “up” position, exposes a small brass plate, inserted in grip, marked “SAFE”. At the base of the frame is a rotatable lanyard ring. Fitted with checkered 2-pc walnut grips, each with factory matching number. PROVENANCE: Collection of Dr. Geoffrey Sturgess. CONDITION: Approx 80% orig brushed blue with patchy oxidation on bbl & grips straps that have largely transitioned to a mellow grey-brown. Comparable condition grips with scattered dings & minor losses; small crack at bottom rear of right panel. Mirror bore. Perfect manual mechanics. Of the approx 4,800 Webley Fosberys produced between 1903-1924, relatively few of the guns were target models, this being an early example with the desirable Cogswell & Harrison retailer marking. 43475-310 LMA (10,000-15,000)