Webley Service bolt with backward slant?

[45flint]

When I saw the bolt of my now mine Webley Service first series on the auction photos I assumed the bolt was bent or if screwed on maybe the treads were over tighten at some point. I have never seen another with a backward angle like this? Now that I have it in my hands, I don’t see any bending and the bolt to me seems welded on not screwed in? It seems factory to me, as the rifle is in very nice shape no signs it was dropped etc?

[ashf9999]

When I saw the bolt of my now mine Webley Service first series on the auction photos I assumed the bolt was bent or if screwed on maybe the treads were over tighten at some point. I have never seen another with a backward angle like this? Now that I have it in my hands, I don’t see any bending and the bolt to me seems welded on not screwed in? It seems factory to me, as the rifle is in very nice shape no signs it was dropped etc?

Must admit I’ve not seen that either - all mine are straight down. I assume the ‘straight’ (unbent) bolt was screwed in, marked, then bent appropriately. I guess this is either the product of an off day (unlikely, as Webley were fastidious back then), so else it was originally from a different Mk2 Service.

[Troubledshooter]

If I remember correctly, and it's a few years since I've disassembled one, the angled handle is fitted to the breech nut then pegged in position, so it's possible someone miss drilled the hole for the peg on this first pattern rifle.

[45flint]

I don’t see a pin just a weld so I assume it was a repair and the bolt ended up being welding at this angle? As above its just hard to think that the factory made this “error”? As with many vintage guns there is a story before they get to you that will never be known.