Webley MkII Service Air Rifle Serial Numbers

[dwatki]

Hello knowledgeable people out there.

A few years ago I acquired a Webley MKII Service Air Rifle.
My online research would indicate that from the Serial No. S 3752, rear of trigger guard, it is a series 3.

I understand Series 3 started at S 2000, in about 1932 and were produced up to 1946. However none were manufactured during WWII.
Webley Scott is unable to be more precise.

Serial No. S 4013 was advertised as 1935-36.

Does anyone have a definitive list of serial numbers and/or yearly production quantities?

Would it be safe for me to assume it was produced 1934-35?

I am interested because it came to me as a gift from an ex-RAF Mosquito navigator, now unfortunately deceased.
He used it for ratting on the Airfield and had been given it when he was a boy by an Uncle.

Best regards

dwatki

[Abasmajor]

Hi,

Not sure if you are aware, but you can still obtain copies of Chris Thrale's excellent Webley Air Rifles 1925-2005 which includes a very useful chapter on the Mk2 Service.

He states that the 3rd Series commenced around Ser No 2001 and definitively dates Ser No S3000 to the end of 1934 , so that would probably mean your example was made in 1935 or early 1936.

Out of interest the Ser Nos associated with the different Series are as follows:

Series 1 S1 - S1000
Series 2 S1001 - S2000
Series 3 S2001 - S11000
Series 4 S11001 - S14500
Series 5 S14501 - S15000
Series 6 S15001 - S16300

Hope this helps.

Regards

Brian

[dwatki]

Thanks to Abasmajor (Brian)

This more than answers myquestion and in quick time too.

1935-36 would be spot on as the original owner would have been about 12 at that time.

I will track down a copy of the book, as I have a Webley MkIII in France.

Thanks again

David

[laverdabru]

Despite the rep both the Thrale book on rifles & the Bruce book on pistols have as being difficult to get hold of, have had no problem in buying new ones for 25% under the RRP over the last year. Both are produced in quality paper, & will probably outlast me.

Bru

[mark@mbb]

I have rifle No S 59 a 1st series

[johnbaz]

Despite the rep both the Thrale book on rifles & the Bruce book on pistols have as being difficult to get hold of, have had no problem in buying new ones for 25% under the RRP over the last year. Both are produced in quality paper, & will probably outlast me.

Bru

Hi Bru

What is the actual RRP please?


John