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LOT 1462
Scarce Early Production Webley-Fosbery Model 1901 Automatic Revolver, Serial Number “245”
- Serial no. 245, 455 cal., 7 1/2 inch solid rib bbl., blue finish, checkered walnut grips. 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 also providing a middle point between the single action precision of a Single Action Army and the
engagement speed of an Adams or Webley double action. 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, and the older revolver patterns
holding their respective niches. Approximately 1,000 Model 1901 revolvers were made, which integrated features eliminated
from later production like additional fluting on the cylinder and a throw lever style cylinder catch patterned after Webley’s then-
military standard double action revolvers. The left side of the top strap is marked “WEBLEY FOSBERY AUTOMATIC, with “P.WEBLEY &
SON LONDON & BIRMINGHAM” on the rib and commercial “tonnage” proofs on the left side of the barrel lug. The left side of the frame is
marked with the “W&S” winged bullet logo followed by “455 CORDITE ONLY” and the right side is marked with the serial number. A safety
lever is installed on the left side, with a brass “SAFE” panel on the left grip.
CONDITION: Very fine, with 80% of the original blue finish
on the frame, showing a mixed brown and gray patina
on the gripstraps, bright edge wear, and minor spotting
and handling marks overall. The barrel and cylinder were
refinished during period of usage, with most of the finish
remaining. Some rust is present, concentrated under the
grip panels. Grips are fine, with some scattered dings,
dents and scuffs. The ejector is a bit sluggish, otherwise
mechanically fine.
Estimate: 9,500 - 16,000