Help with a couple of old Webley brand revolvers

[cristinaaaron]

Couple of grandpa's guns.....are these just wallhangers or are they worth something to a collector or still usable. Both are Webley brand large caliber revolvers. Basically a family friend offered $100 for the pair and I think they may be worth more than that.

Thanks.

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x37/coopermountaincowboy/th_webley.jpg (http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x37/coopermountaincowboy/webley.jpg)

[hj28rules]

I don't think they are 'wall hangers' but the offer for $100 is not in good faith. I'm sure with enough research and a quality assesment of these vintage firearms from a reputable gunsmith will enlighten your awareness of the treasure you have.
Do not shoot these weapons unless you have the right information on caliber and condition of the firearm. These revolvers have been around since the turn of the century and saw service in WWI and WWII.
If they belonged to your Grand father, I would suggest that you look into the background (serial numbers) and hold on to these pistols until you know all the facts surrounding them.

LM...Ft. Worth, Tx.
PO1 USN 1964-1972 Viet Nam Vet
SFC US ARMY 1982-1996 ( ret.)

[Wildalaska]

i ASSUME THEY ARE MARKED WEBLEY and are not Belgian copies?

WildmarkingshelpAlaska

[humanitarian2112]

I'll give you $101.00 :eek:

[Mike Irwin]

I agree, the offer was not in good faith. Either through stupidity or avarice, it doesn't matter, don't take the offer.

The bottom one looks very similar to the Royal Irish Constabulary revolver. It may be a later version of that.

[44 AMP]

Even if they are "wallhangers", they could be worth well over $100. In fact, considering what $100 is worth these days, I am certain they are worth more than that, even if they are wall hangers.

A complete listing of everything marked on each would go a long way to helping us identify them for you. Also more (detailed) pictures would help.

If they are Webleys, (or one of the other British makers), they will be worth some money, shootable or not. If they are European made copies of British revolvers, they would be worth less, but possibly still more than $100.

They may be worth more as parts than as complete guns, as well. If the guns have any sentimental value to you, then keep them, at least until you find out their approximate value.

Your "family friend" either has no idea what they are worth, and thinks they are worth very little (so $100 is a generous offer), or he has an idea what they are worth, and is trying to get them on the cheap. Collectors sometimes pay outrageous amounts for rare versions, and even the more common models of old handguns seldom go as low as $50 apiece.

They may not be shooters, and if they are shootable, it very well could be that they would only be safe with blackpowder ammo, possibly something no longer made, but $100 for the pair is a ridiculously low offer.

Can you say "rip off?"...do people still say that?, I know that they still do that. Only you can tell if your friend has noble or selfish intentions with his offer, and since you have come here looking for help, I can guess which one you suspect. Please give us as much info as you can. And good luck.

[cristinaaaron]

Here's a couple better photos and details:

The larger gun indicates "P. Webley & Son St. James's London" engraved on the top. It also has a number (serial number?) of 12309 and indicates "Webleys Patent" on the side and also has a "W&S" symbol. The piece which flips down to open up the cylinder to let you load it has a "6" marking on it.

The smaller gun has a fainter serial number and also indicates "P. Webley & Son".

The small gun looks like maybe a .38 and the large gun is maybe a .50 or larger (it is larger than a .45).

Thanks for taking the time to help with these.

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x37/coopermountaincowboy/th_web2.jpg (http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x37/coopermountaincowboy/web2.jpg)
http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x37/coopermountaincowboy/th_web1.jpg (http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x37/coopermountaincowboy/web1.jpg)

[hj28rules]

Wikipedia has extensive information on the history and Mark numbers for the Webley revolver. Type in Webley Revolvers in your search engine and you will find it. According to this site, the calibers for your pistols are probably .455 & .38/200 British.
These are venerable old firearms and served the British Army from the Boer War through the Korean conflict in many variations. Good hunting.
:)
LM...Ft. Worth, Tx.
PO1 USN: 1964-1972 Viet Nam Vet.
SFC US ARMY: 1982-1996 Desert Storm Vet. (ret.)

[DPris]

Get those things appraised by a reputable & knowledgeable person or gunshop!!!!!!!!
If they'd been my grandfather's, they'd stay in the family at least till I died. If you're looking to sell, find out what they're REALLY worth!
Denis

[deadin]

As they are both marked "P. Webley & Son" and appear to be in pretty nice shape, I would guess that value for the pair to be closer to $1000 than they are to $100.

[jfruser]

$100?!

That there is ignorance or bad faith talkin'.

Huminahuminhumina! I think I smell something chambered in .475.

[Bart Noir]

Both models are from the 1800's (the design at least, I don't know how long they were produced) and are definitely designed for blackpowder cartridges. These are not the same as the Webley top-break military guns. These have solid frames and load/unload similar to a Colt single-action.

They were built long before the British adopted the .38/200 (aka .380) for their service sixguns, which they did sometime in the 1920s.

They are interesting antiques and each should be worth much more than $100.

Bart Noir

[Tom2]

I would play along this guy who offered 100 and see what else he has to say about them. I don't know, you say he is a friend, but now that you know more, you might spot a flaw in his claims and then watch your back! And keep them locked away and hidden! Maybe you should have an expert look like they said. Even be wary of purchase offers from "experts"! Lotta people looking to make the big score on antique guns around. Maybe some advice on how to preserve them and prevent rust or any deterioration would be helpful. Maybe a thin coat of protective oil, not WD 40 type stuff, for starters. Looks like some rust starting on the one, from fingerprints. At least some wipedown with gun oil will arrest that and maybe someone could remove it at a later time.