Webley .455 Auto and S&W .455

[bigduke6]

Two recent pistols to the collection, these never sold in previous auctions and I had seen them in an after sale and they still didn't go, the reserve on the Webley or the asking price was way over for the condition etc and one pistol grip was missing, I based my offer on the auction pics and trying to find a set of original grips was very slim, bought some from the US, but when I picked up the pistol the missing grip had been found........ have to admit the auction pics never really did it justice.

The Smith & Wesson was also a low offer and I was going by pictures from the Auction, again very good for what I offered.

The sad news...... its near the end of Service pistols used by British and Common wealth troops during WW1, just a 1911 in .455 to look for.........

Maybe Lugers after this ?

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[CINDERS]

That Webley S/A would not win any beauty contests but that's not what it was designed for, doing the business was its job...

[bigduke6]

That Webley S/A would not win any beauty contests but that's not what it was designed for, doing the business was its job...

To be Honest Ron, I always thought the same but they do grow on you, they do look awkward but in fact are a very basic and comfortable pistol, the RN chose these over the 1911.

[mrclark303]

Very nice Geoff, a very cool brace of pistols!
They look great...

[mrclark303]

I would be tempted to restore the finish on the Webley Geoff, metal looks to be in good order

[bigduke6]

Thanks John, The Webley is a lot better than expected, unsure regarding re bluing it now as that was the plan..... its had a good oiling so will have a think on that one. The S&W is a lovely revolver, hard to think its 104 years old.

As I mentioned it in a previous post, it rounds it up regarding WW1 UK and Commonwealth issue pistols, just a 1911 in .455 to source, need to save for that one. I suppose there are a few more Webley Revolvers that would of been issued but I'm sticking to the standard or I could get carried away..... There is another Webley Auto that was issued to RHA, this allowed a shoulder stock to attach to the fame, one was in a Holts auction some time back but they are a premium.

From now on its bricks and mortar only this year...... I'll be visiting the Auction house soon but only to drop stuff off, I'm starting to wind down now on the rifles and parts on my RFD, Last night I found a new made LEC fore-end and hand guard that I got made good few years back.......... few other bits with it too, thats £500 just lying on the shelf gathering dust, thats just one shelf.

[mrclark303]

Sorting out the workshop Geoff ... I feel your pain, my home workshop is being moved to make way for continuing renovations, I forgot I had half this stuff!

This is one of the L1 / fal boxes of bits and bobs....

On the subject of WW1 British sec 7 revolvers, there is always the interesting and unusual Spanish (private purchase) Smith copies chambered in .455 ... Now that's going off on a collectors tangent!

[bigduke6]

Interesting thought John, but I'll stick to issue marked with a crows foot......... must admit dealing with Holts was a breeze in the park, really nice and helpful and free storage up to 3 months and longer if discussed etc with them.
Its strange regarding the slots for sec 7.1 and not standard thoughout the forces, although my original applications had to have all details etc and serial number, this then was actually printed on the section 1 (1) of firearms possessed on my FAC although I never actually had it in my possession....

The French revolver was only mentioned in the additional conditions along with the others under No8 and was under firearms to be archaised, then the two recent ones were just open slots....... the Webley was just down as a .455 pistol self loading..........whereas the S&W was down as a .455 Revolver Historic- Section 7 (1)............. I guess some could go to town on the wording regarding the Webley

[mrclark303]

You're right there mate....

Talking 7.1, a certain Sec5 dealer
had a lovely early Colt 1911 that had been held on a sec 7.1 slot in Hampshire.

Stunning example, beautiful original finish, just superb ... One little problem, it was chambered in .45acp!

God knows how that happened, but I bet it's not the only example out there.

Good thing it happened to land on this particular dealers desk, as it found a good home after its caliber was 'correctly' recorded in his books.

I would really love a .455 1911. One day after the renovations and I cash in the pension perhaps.....

[henry r]

lovely bd6. the S&W has the perfect wear.

some may question my taste, but i love webley autoloaders.

i doubt i will ever jump through the necessary hoops for a pistol license, but an autoloader would be no3 on my wishlist.
going a bit off topic here, no's 1 & 2 being as close as i can get to my 2 favorate pistols my grandfather had. a 1917 dated mk6 webley and a 5 1/2"? barrelled .36 pocket navy. they are safe in my uncles hands but i imgine my cousin will want them.