Offered here is an early example of a Model 1901 Webley-Fosbery revolver, serial number 38, manufactured in 1901 with a prototype hook safety lever mechanism on the left of the frame that prevents the revolver from being cocked when engaged, and a Juan Canedo, Buenos Aires retailer marking on top of the barrel rib. This prototype hook safety is also known to be on one other early Webley-Fosbery revolver bearing serial number 22, which is marked to a Calcutta retailer. Serial number 22 is pictured on page 46 of the book "Webley & Scott Automatic Pistols" by Gordon Bruce. Manufactured in limited quantity at approximately 4,000 total between all of the variations, the Webley-Fosbery revolver was meant as a counter-point to the early semi-automatic pistols then emerging on the market. These innovative revolvers cock and rotate the cylinder automatically under recoil allowing them to have a rate of fire similar to a semi-automatic pistol while firing the more powerful revolver cartridges of the time and retaining the light trigger pull of a single action revolver. Patridge blade front sight and no provisions for a rear sight. Full and partial matching visible serial number "38" on the right side of the frame, cylinder, both grip straps, the interiors of both grip panels, and a few internal components, "WEBLEY FOSBERY AUTOMATIC" on the left side of the top strap, the "flying bullet" trademark above "W&S" (Webley & Scott) and "455 CORDITE" on the left of the frame, "JUAN CANEDO & Cie RIVADAVIA 611 BUENOS AIRES" retailer marking on top of the barrel rib, and checkered walnut grips. Includes a period hardwood case with felt lined fitted interior, approximately 36 cartridges of .455 Webley, oiler, cleaning rod, screwdriver, a modern reprinted copy of a Webley-Fosbery manual, and a Prideaux patent rapid loader. Related information about the Prideaux rapid loader can be found on pages 44-45 of the "Webley & Scott Automatic Pistols" book.

Very fine as professionally restored, retains 97% blue finish with some minor high edge wear. Grips are also very fine as re-oiled, with re-cut checkering and minor handling evidence. Mechanically excellent. Case is very good with a crack visible on top of the lid and some light handling marks, with the locking mechanism non-functioning. A rare example of an early Webley-Fosbery automatic revolver with a prototype hook safety, worthy of any advanced military arms collection!