Webley MK3 Dating?

[Mr. Scratch]

Hi folks, this is one for the Webley enthusiasts. I need to date 2 mk3's, both in .22 flavour. The first serial no. is A6935 The second 28184. Anybody got any ideas? Date of manuf and approx value info would be much appreciated, the first is in good condition and the second is i would consider average. Thank you.

[Abasmajor]

Hi folks, this is one for the Webley enthusiasts. I need to date 2 mk3's, both in .22 flavour. The first serial no. is A6935 The second 28184. Anybody got any ideas? Date of manuf and approx value info would be much appreciated, the first is in good condition and the second is i would consider average. Thank you.

Hello,

The Chris Thrale Webley Air Rifle 'Bible' identifies Webley Mk3 Ser No 28184 as an early Series 4 example introduced in 1957 and available up until 1961. The lowest Series 4 seen Ser No being 28072 and the highest 39352. This would consequently date your earlier Mk3 to 1957.

Dating the A Series rifles is not so easy as for some reason Webley used the A prefix twice with the first batch starting in June 1966 with Ser No A0060 and ending in Nov 1969 with Ser No A9999. The second batch carrying the A prefix started in Nov 1969 beginning at A1 and going up to Ser No A10000 in 1972. If your rifle was part of the second batch then it would date to September 1971.

Accurately estimating values is difficult without some pictures as condition is everything. Ballpark prices for Mk3s would be in the region of £120-£350 and maybe a bit more depending on condition and Production Series.

Hope this helps a bit.

Regards

Brian

[Mr. Scratch]

Thank you Brian, you are a true gentleman!

[deejayuu]

Just to add to Abasmajor's details. Interestingly the bible would seem to confirm that your rifle (series 7) was manufactured week ending 18/09/'71 . The first "A" prefix batch 6930 to 39 are noted in the factory ledger as "super" so were Supertarget models week ending 18/10/'68. I'm sitting here hoping yours is the Supertarget

Also interesting your other Mk lll could be series 4 if the serial number is impressed into the stock under the action. This practice stopped at 32000 around 1959.
The series 5 appeared 1961 with the dumbbell shape 'scope rail. Rarer versions had the 'scope rail "waisted" on one flank only and are a collectable quirk for some.

Whichever they are enjoy. Loves 'em. Jules

[gingernut]

Can I ask what year my 12180 would be?
Thanks.

[deejayuu]

Serial 13389 pinged as 1952, So yours '50/'51 at a guess. Series 3 ribbed stock plain trigger block ?? Cost about £14 inc. tax
Has it got double pull trigger 'cos it changed around then?

[webleymk3]

Just to add to Abasmajor's details. Interestingly the bible would seem to confirm that your rifle (series 7) was manufactured week ending 18/09/'71 . The first "A" prefix batch 6930 to 39 are noted in the factory ledger as "super" so were Supertarget models week ending 18/10/'68. I'm sitting here hoping yours is the Supertarget

Also interesting your other Mk lll could be series 4 if the serial number is impressed into the stock under the action. This practice stopped at 32000 around 1959.
The series 5 appeared 1961 with the dumbbell shape 'scope rail. Rarer versions had the 'scope rail "waisted" on one flank only and are a collectable quirk for some.

Whichever they are enjoy. Loves 'em. Jules

Hi I'm brand new to airgunbbs have had air rifles all my life now at 63 still tinkering and plinking , I noticed this thread and wondered if you might be able to help me date my mk3 the serial number is 0139 its the smooth stock type with no scope rail . regards and thankyou in advance .

[deejayuu]

Pics would be interesting but Thrale's descriptions say early Series 1 so 1947/8 and very tasty to the collectors.
PM for more info. if it helps.

[andrewM]

Hi I'm brand new to airgunbbs have had air rifles all my life now at 63 still tinkering and plinking , I noticed this thread and wondered if you might be able to help me date my mk3 the serial number is 0139 its the smooth stock type with no scope rail . regards and thankyou in advance .

Welcome to the site webleymk3 (presumably the name says it all!). I joined a little under two years ago and have found the site and people on it extremely helpful in their kind advice and wide knowledge - and they have also spurred a collecting bug.