Webley mk1 pistol identification and valuation

[BadPigeon]

A friend gave me a boxed mk1 Webley pistol looks early but i cant find a list of serials to tell the date. Would love to know the date of manufacture and the rough value although its not for sale as great little plinker shoots like a dream.

The box is very tatty, on the box and pistol it says “Webley air pistol MK1 Webley & Scott Birmingham & London” Wooden grip with brass looking winged pellelet above that is what looks like a serial number 2528. If this is the serial and not a batch number then must be early.

If anyone knows the date of manufacture and the rough value it would be much appreciated. Tx

[Josie & John]

A few high res pics would help with an appraisal as they would highlight overall condition, features and whether any external parts have been replaced.

That certainly sounds like an early model, so please shares some images so that members can help more.

John

[Abasmajor]

As John has already said, valuations are always dependent on condition, so a few pictures would be needed to provide a realistic estimate. As it appears to be a Straight Grip model with wooden grip plates, it will definitely be pre-war with a Ser No rather than a Batch No. The Straight Grip Mk1 was first introduced in 1924 and was available until replaced by the Slant Grip models in 1935. Approximately 50,000 of these pistols were produced and if the Ser No you quote is correct, it would indeed be a very early example of these iconic pistols.

Hope this helps.

Brian

[BadPigeon]

Thank you John and Brian good to know 50k of mk1 were made and my being 2528 serial its likely first or second year of production hopefully. Shoots really nicely so i am chuffed to bits with it and keep plinking daily as i cant put it down. Cant upload attachments for accurate valuation but no bother price is irrelevant as its a gift from a friend and i wont sell it. Thanks again gents. Dario

[ptdunk]

Some pics:

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I'd say £170-£200 for the pistol, as although it has some wear the remaining finish is nice, and it's an early model without the trigger adjusting screw.
Nice to see a proper original box, even with the damage...no idea how much this adds to the price..... but the repro ones are £60.

Cheers,
Matt

[WebleyWombler]

Interesting, it extends the serial number range for the 'patents applied for' marking expressed in Bruce's book ( p23)

My guess is the value of between £230 and £250 to include the box should be put on it

[Josie & John]

Very nice Dario,

I'd value this at £250+ as this is a fairly rare early example.

John

[ashf9999]

I’d think John’s valuation is reasonable - as said, it’s a nice early example.

[BadPigeon]

Thanks for putting the pics up Matt, thanks for the info gents, much appreciated. I am truly pleasantly surprised how nice and accurate this early pistol is to shoot. I need to start paying less attention to pellet boxes and BSA things and more attention to all things Webley Dario

[Josie & John]

Thanks for putting the pics up Matt, thanks for the info gents, much appreciated. I am truly pleasantly surprised how nice and accurate this early pistol is to shoot. I need to start paying less attention to pellet boxes and BSA things and more attention to all things Webley Dario

Nothing wrong with having an interest in both Dario

It's a long slippery slope though!

John

[Evostu]

Nothing wrong with having an interest in both Dario

It's a long slippery slope though!

John

Long,slippery and expensive
But you only live once and can't take it with you

[ptdunk]

Dario brought it to the club today and I can report it’s a very accurate example.
I brought my E series Premier which is my most accurate steel Webley, and he was suitably impressed…hopefully this will spur on some further interest in Webley’s.

Matt