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LOT 3414
Very Scarce Nickel Union Fire Arms Automatic Revolver - 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 plastic 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 also fine, with a few mild dings. Mechanically functions, but
needs adjustment.
Provenance: The Clive Cussler Collection; Property of a Gentleman.
Estimate: 4,000 - 6,000
LOT 3413
Rare Hook Safety Prototype
Serial Number 38 Webley-Fosbery
Model 1901 Automatic Revolver with
Juan Canedo, Buenos Aires Retailer
Marking, Case and Prideaux Rapid Loader
- Serial no. 38, 455 Webley cal., 6 inch solid rib bbl.,
blue finish, walnut grips. 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.
CONDITION: 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!
Estimate: 11,000 - 16,000