Latest Acquisition: .455 Eley/Webley Colt New Service

[imarangemaster]

As I have said before, working at a gunshop has its advantages. A really nice 70%+ finish (no rust) Colt new Service chambered in the .455 cartridge. It has original intact gutta percha grips, 5.5 inch barrel, and original lanyard ring. Bore is bright and crisp. It has two Birmingham (England) proofs. No import marks.

It came in three months ago. I held off because the owner had an unrealistic price ($1,000) on it. The sold gunbroker auction did not come close to that though. After her continuously dropping the price with us, I grabbed it at $700.

I looked up date back then, and if I remember correctly it was made in 1915. According to my English proof sheet, it has the correct proofs.

Its in 10 day Commiefornia jail. I double check date when I go back to work Tuesday. Ordered a repro WW 1 leather Webley holster and ammo pouch $40 for both.. $300 for an original was way too steep!

I have 6 rounds of original .455 MK2 lead ball ammo, and 6 rounds of .455 MK6 Metal Jacket in my collection. I do have dies, 262 grain hollow base conical lead bullets, and 100 rounds of .455 Webley MK2 brass that I will load with either 4.0 grains Bullseye, or 6.0 of Unique. Those are the two factory duplication loads from an old manual I have.

I have been wanting a .455 again, my last being a MK VI I had about 15 years ago when they were affordable. The prices for Webleys now is prohibitive, but this Colt will scratch that itch. This will go nicely with my 1920 commercial Colt 1911 and 1896 Mauser Bolo with stock.