The Straight Grip Webley Senior

[Josie & John]

Hi All,

Interesting thread this John - for what its worth my Straight Grip senior is numbered S2892 and is a .177.

In terms of the numbering, however, it has a quirk. I believe (from Bruce’s book and what I have read elsewhere) that the three numbers stamped on the muzzle end of cylinder on these Webley’s are meant to correspond with the last three of the serial number (stamped above the grip). Hence, in my case the number on the end of the cylinder should be 892.

Yet, the three numbers are actually 368 (At first glance they don’t match).

However, when you look at the serial number of my pistol upside down it actually looks like 3683S. Hence, it appears that the first three numbers (when read upside down!) have then been stamped on the end of the pistol!

I wonder if other’s have come across any similar anomalies on these pistols (or indeed on the other pre-WW11 Webley pistols)?

Best

Olly

Quirky indeed Olly. Maybe it was stamped by a weary Webley worker after his visit to a pub on a prewar Friday lunchtime?

John

[Josie & John]

Hi John
My two straight-grip Seniors are nos. 1376 and 1182

John

Thank you John. I have come across both of your 4 pin framed pistols before - small world!

Kind regards,

John

[Peter Pig]

My Webley Senior in .22 was purchased new by my father sometime in the thirties and lived all its life with dad in the sideboard at home in the box, with an orange ( I think tin of pellets ) and a cleaning brush.
After Dad died Mum asked me to collect it. On collection I discovered that Mum had binned the box etc. because I would not want that tatty old box!
The number is S 4707 and it still retains 100% finish.

[Josie & John]

My Webley Senior in .22 was purchased new by my father sometime in the thirties and lived all its life with dad in the sideboard at home in the box, with an orange ( I think tin of pellets ) and a cleaning brush.
After Dad died Mum asked me to collect it. On collection I discovered that Mum had binned the box etc. because I would not want that tatty old box!
The number is S 4707 and it still retains 100% finish.

Thanks Peter,

I almost had a similar experience. When it came to inheriting my late uncle's Webley Junior, my aunt wanted to throw the box for the same reason. That was in 1981 and I still have the set today.

John

[le frelon]

Hi John,

I have 5588 in .22 if this helps.

atb Carl

[Josie & John]

Hi John,

I have 5588 in .22 if this helps.

atb Carl

Thanks Carl,

Does the pistol have full international patents stamped on either side of the air cylinder or just three?

Kind regards,

John

[AC99]

Hi John,
My senior is S2623 in .177.
Aubrey

[CHJF177]

Thank you Mr Gen and Chris.

Chris, Does S5196 have full international patents stamped on either side of the cylinder or just three?

Kind regards,

John

Hi John 5196 has full patents both sides of the cylinder

ATB Chris.

[Josie & John]

Hi John 5196 has full patents both sides of the cylinder

ATB Chris.

Thanks Chris (and Aubrey)

Kind regards,

John

[splosh!]

Thanks for sharing details all. This is certainly starting to look like a list. I have a passion for the straight grip Senior as they have that classic semi auto 1920s/30s profile, which I find very attractive. I also prefer shooting it over other pre war Webleys, including the more streamlined slant gripped Seniors.

Splosh, Is S2002 stamped with Pape's details along the backstrap? I'm assuming it is a 3 pin frame?

John

Hi John yes its stamped on the back strap ,not sure if its 3 pin as its put away but probably been S2002

[le frelon]

Hi John, sorry for the delay.

5588 has full international patents, 11 in total.

atb Carl

[Josie & John]

Hi John, sorry for the delay.

5588 has full international patents, 11 in total.

atb Carl

Thanks Carl