Advice wanted on how to recognise reproduction Webley Air Pistol boxes

[Jerry Cornelius]

Hi Vic,

Check the corners inside and out. If they are stiff, chances are the box is a repro. The bases are usually not as well made as the lids and again are just too stiff and don't look 'right'.

My worry is after several years of aging, these repro boxes may be passed off as genuine - I'm no fan of them.

John

They do need a discreet but obvious flaw in them don’t they? I’m sure it wouldn’t kill the look if they had a little date or something printed unobtrusively.

[Josie & John]

They do need a discreet but obvious flaw in them don’t they? I’m sure it wouldn’t kill the look if they had a little date or something printed unobtrusively.

Absolutely. I have a very well reproduced BSA brochure in my collection that is almost impossible to tell from an original other than a very discreet date and printing code in a bottom corner. I'm pleased whoever reproduced it was honest about it.

A small code on a corner would be ideal if someone wants to reproduce ephemera and others want to buy it as that way, no-one is intentionally fooled.

John

[trajectory]

I can see the reason for having something printed on the boxes to distinguish originals from modern ones. It seems reasonable to me, but what about other items such as modern made replacement parts that have been fitted to a rifle or pistol? Modern made trigger guards, sights etc., should these be marked up in some way to avoid confusion or deception?

[Jerry Cornelius]

I can see the reason for having something printed on the boxes to distinguish originals from modern ones. It seems reasonable to me, but what about other items such as modern made replacement parts that have been fitted to a rifle or pistol? Modern made trigger guards, sights etc., should these be marked up in some way to avoid confusion or deception?

Mmm. Triggers broom aside, an original gun with a replacement trigger guard is still an original gun in my view, albeit less desirable than one that is wholly original. But you have to be practical: I bought a webley service without an interceptor sear, which I then fitted. The part is too small to be marked in any way.

A reproduction service .25 barrel ought to be marked though, imho. The possibility of deception and asking a higher price than the gun is worth is far greater.

[micky2]

It always amazes me how much restored motorbikes and cars go for.