Yo, Gareth,
Maybe I owe you an apology - for the bad lighting and photo-quality, which do not do much justice to those subjects upon which you chose to focus. As certain pictures are not all that clear. I can organise some better photographs / lighting / angles ['proper' camera], if you like. Perhaps that won't be necessary tho', after reading the paragraphs below.
To head further towards the 'heart' of things, I had lunch today with a retired Webley 'Finish-inspector' [shop-floor] - [the joys of retirement!]. I took my Stingray round to his house before we went out to meet-up with another ex- [W&T] Avery apprentice / 'reprobate'. He said that the surface finish of the cylinder and breach-block are 'well within tolerance'. Quality of the Back Block 'dome' / knurling [not bevelled], is definitely of satisfactory quality, he added. He had the gun in his hands as he spoke.
You didn't say what you think about what the [above referenced] 'local Gunsmith' said about my Stingray being an authentic 'Brummie', after he'd handled it. Today, I sent him a request for permission to use his name, regarding this. Have you discounted this input?
In addition to all the above, I entered into correspondence with Mr. Steve Pope, on the subject, ten days ago; and followed up with additional photographs, last weekend. Today [10-07-2018], Steve added to the 'equation', by saying: " Certain Stingray actions were 'Rumbled' - that is a process where the body tubes went into a tumbler, with stones and water. The finish on your gun is authentic".
So, I am now satisfied that my Webley Stingray is a bona fide pre 2006 'Brummie' [# 914123]. Everybody's input has been important / interesting. Nobody has been 'played-off' against anybody else. I put feelers out in multiple directions, more or less simultaneously; and the responses came back in, as and when each responder chose to respond.
Thank you, one and all.
Cheers, Dave.
PS: Bullet Proof Vest, now donned!
PPS: So, I guess you'll have to try 'head-shots'!
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