November 18, 2020 Extraordinary, Sporting & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/18/2020
Manufactured April 21st, 1914, as per Milner Database information sheet, which also lists Taylor purchasing the pistol as part of a shipment of five. Milner also notes that price paid indicates a target model. Matching full or partial numbers observed on right side of frame, left side of frame under grips, on right grip scale, rear of cylinder, and on some internals visible when grips removed. Classic configuration with six-shot cylinder in .455 with top break and distinctly cut cylinder that interacts with stud on top strap to advance the cylinder during firing sequence. Blade front sight stamped "20 YDS" on right side of blade, target U notch rear dovetailed with break lever. Checkered trigger Metford rifling. Marked on top strap with "P. WEBLEY & SON. LONDON & BIRMINGHAM.", left side with "WEBLEY FOSBERY". Frame with Webley winged bullet and ".455 CORDITE". Sides of the hammer are checkered, as is the trigger. Checkered grips with rotatable lanyard loop. Appropriate Birmingham proofs. Taylor's service record spans from the South African War in 1899 (Boer War) through the end of World War I, with numerous awards including Queen's Medal with three clasps, Kings Medal with two clasps, and the Distinguished Service Order. Taylor appears to have retired circa 1918 as a Major and later a Brevete Lieutenant Colonel. Accompanied by a folder of documentation concerning Taylor. CONDITION: Very good. Barrel and cylinder assembly retaining much bluing mostly towards the rear, barrel mostly a pleasing patina. Frame blue has largely faded with just flashes of blue mixing with patina. Barrel has one minor area of old oxidation. One pair of nicks on right side of barrel and cylinder assembly. Other normal handling marks throughout. Grips are attractive and full sized but appear to have had an extra layer of varnish added that has filled some of the checkering. Bore is very good, bright and shiny, action works appropriately when gently operated by hand. A very interesting example of the iconic Webley Fosbery. EW
Manufacturer
Webley Fosbery
Model
Semi-Automatic Revolver