Hi all,

Relative newbie question...

I was wondering if anyone has any tips on how to tell if an old Webley Air pistol has been re-blued or is just in great original condition?

I've seen some early straight grip pre-war MK1's with a very nice but slightly grey blued finish to them (I assume original) and other's that are jet black.

I know worn screw heads on a 'mint' pistol are a giveaway sometimes. Do you see any signs of sanding and polishing prior to rebluing as a giveaway?

I'm guessing if it's been oiled and stored in it's box since it was bought it'd look pretty much perfect, apart from a bit of corrosion on the back where it was laying on the card.

What do people look for to differentiate between well looked after and refurbished?

I only ask because I've never seen a Webley on sale advertised as 'refubished' but I'm guessing some being sold as 'mint' must be refurbs. Not that it necessarily matters but I find it interesting.





Thanks.