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LOT 3436
Webley-Fosbery Model 1903 Automatic Revolver with Inscription - Serial
no. 2105, 455 cal., 6 inch solid rib bbl., blue finish, hard rubber grips. Manufactured
c. 1904-1912, the Model 1903 Webley-Fosbery was an attempt to build on the lessons
learned with the Model 1901 to make a simpler and more robust weapon while retaining
the advantages of the original design. While not accepted as a contract weapon, a number of
1903s are known to have been privately purchased by military men looking for a more advanced
sidearm that, unlike a foreign import like a Broomhandle or a Browning, wouldn’t leave them trying to
source non-standard ammunition while afield. The underside of the barrel is inscribed “EDWARD EUMERALLA
HURST”; while not explicitly documented, records from the period show an Edward Eumeralla Hurst as a member of the Royal Horse Guards
attached to the 1st Battalion of the Northamtonshire Regiment. Originally a Sergeant, Hurst was made a temporary 2nd Lieutenant in October
of 1917, one of Britain’s “Temporary Gentlemen” brought into the upper echelons of society as the cold and brutal realities of trench warfare
forced the old system of social class driven officer appointments to give way to more meritocratic methods. In contrast to the American practice
of making permanent moves to the officer ranks, these men were generally expected to return to their station of origin once the need had ceased.
Records of Hurst’s life are limited and his final fate unknown, but he achieved the rank of full Lieutenant as well as receiving the Victory Medal. Fixed sights, with the London
& Birmingham address on the rib, “WEBLEY * FOSBERY” on the left side of the top strap, the “W&S” winged bullet logo and “455 CORDITE” on the left sideplate, and matching
numbers on the barrel, cylinder, and right sideplate. Fitted with checkered grips with raised safety marking on the left and a lanyard swivel.
CONDITION: Very fine, with 75% of the original blue finish, showing areas of gray and brown patina, thinning on the gripstraps, bright edge wear, minor spotting and light
handling marks. The front sight has been modified/reshaped. Grips are fine, with small chips, some overhang at the edges, and mild dings. Half cock is insecure, otherwise
mechanically excellent.
Provenance: The Collection of Clive Cussler.
Estimate: 8,500 - 12,000
LOT 3437
Webley-Fosbery Model 1901 Automatic Revolver with Scarce Four Inch
Barrel - Serial no. 705, 455 cal., 4 inch solid rib bbl., blue finish, walnut grips.
Manufactured c.1901-1902, 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 familiar manual of arms 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 (per Webley & Scott Automatic Pistols by Bruce, page 41) across three
cataloged barrel lengths; the exact quantity of 4 inch barreled Fosberys is unknown, but believed limited. The left
side of the top strap is marked “WEBLEY FOSBERY AUTOMATIC”, with “P.WEBLEY & SON LONDON & BIRMINGHAM”
on the rib. The left side of the frame is marked with the winged bullet logo followed by “455 CORDITE ONLY” and
the right side is marked with the serial number, which is repeated on the cylinder. A safety lever is installed on the
left side, with a brass “SAFE” panel on the left grip.
CONDITION: Fine, with 95% of the high quality period refurbished blue finish, showing some bright edge wear,
rubbing between the main assemblies, and mild handling marks and spotting overall. The grips are very good, with
cracking near the heel, mild dings and some verdigris buildup on the safety plate. Mechanically excellent.
Provenance: The Collection of Clive Cussler.
Estimate: 6,000 - 9,000