Legality of starter pistol

[McTrucky]

A friend has acquired a Webley Mk3 0.22 blank firing starter pistol, complete with box etc. Looks quite collectable.

I have read that starter pistols that are easily converted to live firing are banned under current UK legislation.

I also see the same gun as having been sold on auction sites which suggests they are OK.

Thoughts?

[Troubledshooter]

The old Webley starting pistols, such as your friend's, discharge through a top port, and are incapable of being converted to live fire, so are legal to own and use for their intended purpose. I still have one or two including a Mark 2 which is capable of firing either .22 or .32 blanks for a louder 'bang'.

[McTrucky]

Excellent. Thank you.