Webley Mark I air pistol - would like information, please

[Japes]

Hello Everyone

I am a new member, and I have a Mark I Webley Air Pistol which I would like to know more about, and possibly sell.

I know they were made between 1924 and the early 60's, and this looks like a fairly early version - has a wooden stock with the flying pellet. On the barrel is a list of all the patents for the gun.

I have got some photos, but I'm not sure how to post them, so I would be glad of some advice.

Kind regards

Japes

[Prewar]

Its pre ww2, I think between 1925-1935 if it has the wood grips/patent no's.
If you post the serial number someone clever will be able to tell you what year it was made.

[webman]

Welcome to the best section on the Forum. If you want to post pictures, find the Sticky by Neil (3 down on the Collectors page) and send him the photo by email with a REMINDER by PM as requested. As already stated, the Serial Number will date it, but a description (or photo) will be needed to estimate its value.

Ian

[Neil.]

Pics
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[johnbaz]

Pics
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ooooh- that's very nice.

i have a few webley pistols but none are as early as yours


regards, john

[Neil.]

ooooh- that's very nice.

i have a few webley pistols but none are as early as yours


regards, john

Its not mine...

[Japes]

Its pre ww2, I think between 1925-1935 if it has the wood grips/patent no's.
If you post the serial number someone clever will be able to tell you what year it was made.

Thank you all for your comments. I really am new to this, so I'm sure I'll make all sorts of silly mistakes.

I'll dig the serial number out tonight when I get home and post again.

[Japes]

I'm back.

I've got the serial number : it is 22443

If anyone knows what year it was made, I'd be really grateful.

Japes

[webman]

This was made around 1928, using the fact that approx 50,000 were made between 1924 and 1935 (data from Gordon Bruce's book on Webley pistols). This number also included the Mark 2 Target Model. It is difficult to value it, as most of these models that come up for sale are only in "average" condition. My opinion is that it could easily fetch £175 or more depending on how much somebody wanted it.

[Japes]

Hi Webman

Thank you for that, fancy it being that old.

It really is in quite remarkable condition and it is in perfect working order - is that unusual?

Did you see the pictures?

[webman]

It is quite unusual to find these guns in such good condition. Many led a hard life and even ones that were stored in their boxes suffered corrosion and pitting where they touched the cardboard as this absorbed moisture from the air. This gun of yours is over 80 years old, and shows the quality of manufacture in the 1920s. I feel that these pistols should be recognised as fine pieces of engineering and command higher prices than they do, but that's life.

Ian

[Gareth W-B]

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Duplicate thread now locked off, leaving this thread, with the majority of posts added, as the live thread, for members to contribute to.

[Japes]

Many thanks for all the information.

I think it is amazing that it has survived all these years - as you say, it shows the high quality of engineering in that period.

I'll have a think about selling it.

Thank you again

Jain