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SERIAL NUMBER 93
LOT 1606
Desirable Webley Inscribed Cased Early Production Webley-Fosbery Model 1901 Automatic Revolver Serial Number 93 - Serial no. 93, 455 Webley cal., 6 inch solid rib bbl., blue finish, walnut grips. This is a solid representative example of an early production two-digit number 93 Model 1901 Webley-Fosbery revolver as designed by Lt. Col. G. V. Fosbery, which utilizes a novel “automatic” mechanism. Approximately 1,000 Model 1901s were manufactured in total before the introduction of the Model 1902, which falls in the same continuous serial number range. Prior to December 31, 1901 only 263 serialized production examples of the Model 1901 are known to have been manufactured with a variety of design changes implemented in the earliest guns such as this one, wearing serial number 93. It is a true revolver with cartridges held in a six shot cylinder, but the cylinder is automatically turned by the force of recoil. The top section of the revolver slides backwards, cocks the hammer, and simultaneously indexes the cylinder one position using zig-zag grooves. This mechanism allows for a faster rate of fire compared to a standard double or single action revolver, while still maintaining the same responsive trigger pull of a single action. The Fosbery design was reported to have been as fast, if not faster, than its magazine fed semi-automatic counterparts, and just as fast to reload utilizing the top break system with a six shot speed loader. This Model 1901 example utilizes William Whiting’s patent cylinder retainer in which a left side mounted lever is pushed up for removal of the cylinder for maintenance, unlike the more commonly seen Model 1902 which would rid of the side mounted lever and utilize Whiting’s improved cylinder catch with a button mounted on the top strap. Blade
front sight and the rear sight integral to the top strap latch. “P. WEBLEY & SON LONDON & BIRMINGHAM” marked on top of the barrel rib. “WEBLEY FOSBERY AUTOMATIC” marked on the left of the top strap. “Winged bullet/W&S” trademark followed by “455.CORDITE.” marked on the left side of the frame. Serial number “93” is marked on the right side of the frame and on the left side grip frame. The matching serial number “93” is marked on the face of the cylinder, below the right side holster guide, underneath the left of the top latch, and hidden inside on various components. Fitted with rare early checkered wooden grips with the top of the left grip period altered by Webley & Scott with a relief cut out for use with the improved safety lever, and a swivel lanyard ring mounted on the butt. For detailed information regarding the Webley-Fosbery Model 1901 revolver, reference pages 25-56 of the book “Webley & Scott Automatic Pistols” by Gordon Bruce. Includes a period original wood display case with blue felt lining inside and a circular brass plaque on the lid marked “WEBLEY & SCOTT/REVOLVER & ARMS CO. LTD.” around “AUTOMATIC/FOSBERY/REVOLVER”, key, oil bottle, screwdriver, and cleaning rod.
CONDITION: Very fine, retains 80% period factory quality refinished blue finish with some light flaking toward the muzzle end of the barrel, and mild flaking on the grip straps. Grips are fine with some light handling marks, nice checkering, and light crazing mostly concentrated on the period altered left grip. Mechanically excellent. The case is fine with some light scratches, one minor chip on the top right of the lid, and nice felt lining.
Estimate: 13,000 - 19,000
LOT 1607
Webley-Fosbery Automatic Revolver -
Serial no. 1577, 455 Webley cal., 6 inch
solid rib bbl., blue finish, walnut grips.
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 automatically turned by the force of recoil. At the pull of the trigger the top section of the revolver slides backwards, cocks the hammer, and
simultaneously indexes the cylinder one position using zig-zag grooves. This mechanism allows for a faster rate of fire compared to
a standard double or single action revolver, while still maintaining the same responsive trigger pull of a single action. The Fosbery design
was reported to have been as fast, if not faster, than its magazine fed semi-automatic counterparts, and just as fast to reload utilizing the
top break system with a six shot speed loader. Blade front sight and the rear sight integral to the top strap latch. The top barrel rib is marked “P.WEBLEY & SON.LONDON & BIRMINGHAM.” The top strap left side is marked “WEBLEY·FOSBERY”. The left side of the frame is marked with the “winged bullet/W&S” trademark followed by “455 CORDITE”. Serial number “1577” is marked on the right side of the frame and on the left side grip
frame . The matching partial serial number “577” is marked on the face of the cylinder, “1577” below the cylinder arbor, and some small parts. There is a broad arrow proof on the barrel hinge screw. Fitted with checkered hard rubber grips and a lanyard loop.
CONDITION: Good, retains strong traces of the original blue finish with the balance mostly a mottled grey-
brown patina, some light pitting primarily on the cylinder, and crisp markings. The heavily worn grips are fair
with scattered dings and scratches. The safety and ejector need adjustment, otherwise mechanically very good.
Provenance: The Gus Cargile Collection.
Estimate: 3,500 - 5,500
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