Webley Book

[Troubledshooter]

Page 38 - I think the photos are of a 3rd Series MK 11 (the sight is in the middle). Sorry I could be wrong.

Even if I am right it is a superb reference work.

The sight shown on P.38, is the second pattern aperture sight as fitted to the third series Mk.II Service.
The bottom descriptions could confuse, but the top right description is clear.

[PaulR]

The sight shown on P.38, is the second pattern aperture sight as fitted to the third series Mk.II Service.
The bottom descriptions could confuse, but the top right description is clear.

Thanks for explaining this - I missed the top right one.

It was a minor point - superb book - worth the cover price of £70 imho - even though we all paid less. Personally I don't care that I could have got it for £31 rather than the £45 I paid.

I just hope that there is some profit in it for the poor author!!

[Josie & John]

Just sourced a copy - Thanks Troubledshooter! First impressions are of a fine piece of work by someone who has been a knowledgable authority on not just Webleys but all spring airguns and associated accessories for some considerable time. I've started with the Accessories chapter and am looking forward to spending some quality time wrapped up and engrossed with this book. One tin not mentioned but which I sourced some time ago is a round 1960s orange "sectored" tin with screw top lid for 500 pellets in .177 - unusual and most probably printed in error. Still, Chris has made a commendable job of illustrating many boxes which are new to me and it would be hard to show every single variation.

Am signing off to get back to my copy.

John

[Josie & John]

Glad to see it has finally seen the light of day - and heartening to see the encouraging comments. Smith's are selling at a very good price indeed especially as it includes postage. Beats me how they can make any money from it?
Anyway I have spotted three mistakes so far after only a quick skim through, so I await the others that must exist to be pointed out to me!
Happy reading.

Am almost through my first read and have drafted a review for Airgun World, so not much sleep over the last 24 hours! This monumental work can only be described as a true classic and will be a constant source of reference for me and many others. I appreciate the easy to follow format and no need to cross reference text against plates in the centre of the book. The photographs are truly exceptional.

Anyway, let's have a stab at the mistakes:
1. Page 57 shows component parts for a Webley Junior but the caption reads Mark III

2. Page 142: text reads "it (The Deluxe Tracker) retained the grooved silencer of the standard tracker". This was a muzzle weight and not a silencer. The text also omits mention of the long barrelled Tracker, which replaced the Viscount towards the end of production. This was in effect a Viscount and it may well be I've missed the reference by skimming the text!

3. Page 152: Illustration caption refers to an Omega with a muzzle break but it looks like a standard muzzle to me.

I reckon Chris has deliberately included the above to keep us on our toes and they in no way detract from my enjoyment of the book.

Happy reading. I have about 25 pages of modern Webleys to go.

John

[PaulR]

I find the bits about the Board meetings fascinating - yes there is speculation but this based on evidence so therefore compelling.
What, I think, I am trying to say is that this is more than just a reference work - it is readable in it's own right and supplies those interesting little bits of information lacking in other works.

[Garvin]

My copy has finally arrived and... well, what can I say? Absolutely bloody marvellous is the only fitting description. A really stunning piece of work.

I now realise that I've been hoping for a book like this to come along ever since I picked up the Gordon Bruce Webley pistols book. Christopher Thrale's book is every bit a worthy companion to that work and in some respects, superior.

The level of descriptive detail is superb and the photos are incredibly sharp. Once read right through, the book will now take its place on my shelf as a keeper, alongside the other all-time airgun classics by WHB Smith, Wesley, Bruce, John Griffiths and John Knibbs. Well done Chris and thank you!

[Michael]

Did anyone buy the Webley book from Protek Supplies ?
And have they got their copy yet?
I paid months ago but not yet rec'd my Copy, I sent an email days ago but had no response

Michael

[le frelon]

Still waiting for Protek to give a date for collection . However on their website it says that if you ordered a signed copy, this will take longer as once rec'd they will still need to get Chris to sign them.
After reading the reviews, frustrating as it is, I guess I'll just have to wait!

A further thought occurs. As with any technical publication, where errors occur, there will sometimes be an addendum issued at a later date.
Perhaps this forum would be a good place for any found to be listed and these could be printed off and added to our own copies.
Collective proof reading and shared knowledge.

Carl.

[frakor]

I received a e-mail from Protek today !
They will be getting the signed books next week .....

Can hardly wait for it to arrive.



-----------------------------
Frank

[pennineway.fswo]

My copy arrived today from WH Smiths
Cost was £31 delivered

I would gladly have paid 2 or 3 times that price for this book
It is so well written and superbly illustrated and I suspect my Webley rifle collecting may take off yet again.

Very well done Chris, it is obvious that a great deal of time and effort has gone into writing this book - a must for any collector or indeed anyone with an interest in air rifles

John

[coburn]

Mine arrived yesterday, shame the delivery driver for Smiths thought fit to throw it over the gate at the side of my house slightly denting the bottom corner.

That has not spoilt my enjoyment of the book though.

Excellent photographs.

[Phil Russell]

My story: Ordered in April from WHS at £31.
My daughter ordered copy about 10 days ago from WHS at £43.40.
I had a look at the WHS site yesterday to see if the status had changed. Rather concerned that I found no mention of the book on the WHS site. So I called WHS and spoke to a very helpful lady (Jenny). She confirmed my order and was surprised when I told her the books were being delivered to prople. She called the suppliers (Gardners?) and confirmed that, yes, they were being sent out. She told me the book was still on her copy of the WHS site on her system (item code 0709089104). She then offered to 'call downstairs' to see about my order. A few minutes later she told me I had 'opened a hornet's nest' as 'downstairs' had no deliveries of the book and could not trace the book on the WHS site. Jenny said she would chase my order and call me back. She did so this morning: she has got the WHS site updated (I checked this morning and the book is listed again) and said that I am still OK to get my copy at £31 when shipments are made.
Strange though ... my daughter's copy arrived yesterday.... I expected them to ship first orders first but this is clearly not happening.
Cheers, Phil

[coburn]

Phil

I only ordered mine from Smiths last week at £43 and it arrived on Wednesday!

Andrew

[Phil Russell]

Phil

I only ordered mine from Smiths last week at £43 and it arrived on Wednesday!

Andrew

How many ordered at £31 and have not yet received their copy from WHS? There is one recorded above (Pennineway) but I am beginning to think that orders are not being shipped out on a 'first come fisrt served' basis ... which is what I expected.

I am tempted to ask WHS what their policy is. My fear is that there may not be enough copies to satisfy all the orders together with stock destined for the shops (if any go to shops for such a specialised subject)

Cheers, Phil
PS I do not begrudge anyone getting their copy after only ordering a few days ago (like my daughter).

[Garvin]

How many ordered at £31 and have not yet received their copy from WHS? There is one recorded above (Pennineway) but I am beginning to think that orders are not being shipped out on a 'first come fisrt served' basis ... which is what I expected.

I am tempted to ask WHS what their policy is. My fear is that there may not be enough copies to satisfy all the orders together with stock destined for the shops (if any go to shops for such a specialised subject)

Cheers, Phil
PS I do not begrudge anyone getting their copy after only ordering a few days ago (like my daughter).

Yep, my £31 copy from WHS has arrived.