Rare Webley Fosbery Model 1903 7.5" .455 Semi Automatic Revolver 1906Our Assessment: This revolver is in about Very Good overall condition.This revolver's markings include a W&S flying bullet, Webley Fosbery on the top strap and matching serial numbers on the frame and cylinder. This a wonderful example of a very desirable firearm. The Webley Fosbery is one of the most interesting firearms ever designed in which it was a stop-gap between revolvers and a Semi Automatic pistol. It has been called the answer to a question that no one asked, and was probably a decade too late. The front of the barrel is pushed-back to cock the hammer and rotate the cylinder. When the revolver fires, the barrel will move backwards under recoil, cocking the hammer and rotating the cylinder automatically. The British Army rejected the idea but these were bought by British Officers before, during and after WWI until 1924 when production ceased. They were very popular with colonial officers for their caliber and ease of firing. They were also very accurate as opposed to the double action revolvers of the time. These revolvers are scarce and growing more so every year. If you are interested in Webleys, revolvers, or Semi Automatic pistols, don't miss out on this revolver as you have the best of all three!
Make: Webley & Scott
Model: Webley-Fosbery Model 1903
Serial Number: 4249
Year of Manufacture: 1906
Caliber: .455 Webley
Action Type: Fosbery semi-automatic revolver. The barrel is pushed back to rotate the cylinder and cock the hammer, at which time the trigger can be pulled in single-action mode to fire the revolver. Recoil continues to cause the cylinder to turn and the hammer to cock.
Barrel Length: 7.5"
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a Patridge style blade pinned to the barrel. The rear sight is a U notch at the top rear of the barrel release.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered walnut that are dark with oil staining. There are several gouges and deep dings at the top of the right side, dings in the bottom of the grips from the lanyard ring, and a few other marks. The checkering on the right grip is worn with compression marks and dings but the left grip checkering is still well defined. Overall, the grips are in about Good to Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with light wear in the rifling. There is no erosion in the bore but there are some scratches near the breech.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 50% of its finish. There is surface loss on the edges, and on the cylinder, barrel latch and safety, with light thinning in the remaining areas. There are tiny spots of very light erosion scattered over the barrel, a patina forming over the backstrap and a few dings at the left front corner of the frame.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly, including the safety. We have not fired this firearm. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included with the revolver is a small overall history of the Fosbery design.
CA LEGAL: C&R: YES, PPT: NO
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