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   LOT 3601 Scarce Webley-Fosbery Model 1902 Automatic Revolver - Serial no. 4476, 455 cal., 6 inch solid rib bbl., blue finish, plastic grips. Manufactured in limited quantity (approximately 4,000 total, all variations), the Webley-Fosbery was meant as a counter-point to the early semi-automatic pistols then emerging on the market, providing the large-bore firepower and relative mechanical simplicity of a revolver with the smooth single-action operation of an automatic. While mechanically novel, the tide of history was on the side of the semi-autos, with Browning’s designs in particular able to scratch the firepower itch. Patridge blade front and notch rear sights, with matching numbers on the barrel and frame, and “WEBLEY-FOSBERY” on the left side of the top strap. The left frame side plate bears the “flying bullet” trademark ahead of “455 CORDITE”, with “SAFE” in raised letters on the left grip panel. Fitted with a lanyard ring. A set of included papers state that this revolver was returned to Webley in December of 1948 to be cleaned up and refinished. CONDITION: Very fine as factory refurbished, with 95% of the high polish blue finish, showing some light spotting and handling marks overall. A short crack is visible at the top of the left grip panel, with some minor dings. Mechanically functions fine, although hammer does not drop when trigger is depressed every time. Provenance: The Clive Cussler Collection. Estimate: 5,000 - 8,000
LOT 3602
Scarce Webley-Fosbery Model 1902 Automatic Target Revolver - Serial no. 2618, 455 cal., 7 1/2 inch
solid rib bbl., blue finish, plastic grips. Manufactured in limited quantity (approximately 4,000 total, all variations), the Webley-Fosbery was meant as a counter-point to the early semi-automatic pistols then emerging on the market, providing
the large-bore firepower and relative mechanical simplicity of a revolver with the smooth single-action operation of an automatic. While mechanically novel, the tide of history was on the side of the semi-autos, with Browning’s designs in particular able to scratch the firepower itch. This particular Webley-Fosbery is a scarce target model, with a long 7 1/2 inch barrel, Patridge blade front sight and drift adjustable raised notch rear sight. Matching numbers on the barrel and frame, and “WEBLEY-FOSBERY” on the left side of the top strap. The left frame side plate bears the “flying bullet” trademark ahead of “455 CORDITE”, with “SAFE” in raised letters on the left grip panel. Fitted with a lanyard ring.
CONDITION: Very fine, with 98% of the refinished high polish blue finish, showing some minor handling marks overall. A few minor chips are present at the upper corners of the grips, which are otherwise very good with a few light scratches.
Mechanically excellent.
Provenance: The Clive Cussler Collection.
Estimate: 5,000 - 7,500
LOT 3603
Very Scarce Union Fire Arms Automatic Revolver in Nickel - Serial no.
54, 32 cal., 2 7/8 inch solid rib bbl., nickel finish, plastic grips. Manufactured around 1909-1912,
the Union Automatic Revolver bears a strong mechanical resemblance to the Webley-Fosbery Automatic to the point where the base principles are virtually identical: a top-break revolver frame is mounted in a spring-loaded housing and grip assembly, and on discharge, the frame is driven backwards by recoil, revolving the cylinder and re-cocking the hammer. The main deviations are that the hammer is mounted to the housing on the Union and no manual safety is included. Only a limited number (less than 300 by some sources) were made, and much like the Webley-Fosbery it had a hard time competing with standard revolvers and automatic pistols. Fixed sights, with a repeating “54” on several components. Fitted with a pair of checkered grips.
CONDITION: Fine, with 75% of the original nickel finish, showing some mild flaking, a mixed patina on the exposed steel, and minor scratches. The grips are fine, with a few mild dings. Mechanically functions, but needs adjustment.
Provenance: The Clive Cussler Collection.
Estimate: 4,500 - 6,500
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