Lot 139: Webley-Fosbery 1902 Revolver 455 Webley

This is a Model 1902 variant of the Webley-Fosbery revolver designed by Lt. Col. G. V. Fosbery which utilizes a novel "automatic" mechanism. It is a true revolver with cartridges held in a six shot cylinder, but the cylinder is turned by recoil: the top section of the revolver shifts backwards, cocks the hammer, and prepares the next chamber utilizing a spur in the top of strap and zig-zag grooves on the cylinder. This mechanism allows for faster firing while maintaining the low trigger pull of a single action revolver. The Fosbery design was reported to have been as fast if not faster than its magazine fed semi-automatic counterparts and as fast to load if a speed loader was used. It has an octagon barrel with a solid rib marked with the pre-1897 marking: "P.WEBLEY & SON.LONDON&BIRMINGHAM." with a blade front sight and the rear sight integral to the top strap latch. The top strap is marked "WEBLEY·FOSBERY" on the left. The left side of the frame is marked with the "winged bullet/W&S" trademark followed by "455 CORDITE", and the right side has the serial number "1750". The serial number is also hand marked on the grips and is stamped on some of the components including the face of the cylinder (partial). It is fitted with checkered hard rubber grips and a lanyard loop. The revolver comes with a leather holster made by Martin's of Birmingham in 1918. It has a makers stamp on the front and the revolver serial number on the flap along with what appears to be "Brymark Survivor" and an unclear name written in cursive with a pen.

Excellent. The revolver retains 85% plus of the original blue finish with a gray/brown patina on the grip straps. The grips are very fine with a chip missing out of the upper rear right panel with crisp checkering on the balance. Mechanically excellent with crisp markings. The holster is good with some cracking. WE have not offered an exceptional example at auction like this one in a long time!