I've just taken possession of an old hammer action, Damascus barrelled, P. Webley and Son SxS - is anyone out there able to give me some guidance as to how I can age it please?
Any Shotgun Experts?
- Thread starter Broch
- Start date
Thanks Swotty; that would suggest pre- 1896 when they became Webley & Scott.
The only proof marks I can find is the crown and V on it's own which I understood to be a provisional proof mark. I've found a table of Birmingham and London proof marks and any proof without the "12" is pre 1855 which is older than I was expecting.
I shall keep delving
- thanks for your thoughts so far.
I don't think I'll be putting any cartridges through it!
The only proof marks I can find is the crown and V on it's own which I understood to be a provisional proof mark. I've found a table of Birmingham and London proof marks and any proof without the "12" is pre 1855 which is older than I was expecting.
I shall keep delving
- thanks for your thoughts so far.I don't think I'll be putting any cartridges through it!
Re firing, i believe they can be re proofed but not sure if the cost is prohibitiveThanks Swotty; that would suggest pre- 1896 when they became Webley & Scott.
The only proof marks I can find is the crown and V on it's own which I understood to be a provisional proof mark. I've found a table of Birmingham and London proof marks and any proof without the "12" is pre 1855 which is older than I was expecting.
I shall keep delving
I don't think I'll be putting any cartridges through it!
It’s gonna likely be 1800’s pre Webley and Scott
W&s have a date your gun service.
www.webleyandscott.com
Failing that I would email them direct. That would be my first call.
What gauge is it?
Has it been re-proofed?
W&s have a date your gun service.
Date your gun
//cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1600/3339/files/about1.jpg Revolvers and Automatic Pistols. Webley volume production revolvers started to appear around 1853 as the Webley Longspur. From then on Webley revolvers developed and evolved to meet market requirements. Often many different models in many...
www.webleyandscott.com
Failing that I would email them direct. That would be my first call.
What gauge is it?
Has it been re-proofed?
It’s gonna likely be 1800’s pre Webley and Scott
W&s have a date your gun service.
Date your gun
//cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1600/3339/files/about1.jpg Revolvers and Automatic Pistols. Webley volume production revolvers started to appear around 1853 as the Webley Longspur. From then on Webley revolvers developed and evolved to meet market requirements. Often many different models in many...
Failing that I would email them direct. That would be my first call.
What gauge is it?
Has it been re-proofed?
Thanks for that link - I'll chase it through.
it's 12 gauge and hasn't been re-proofed.
I've had a look; not too pricey to be honest (sub £50) but it's potentially a destructive process (i.e. if it fails it could split the barrels)
I've had a look; not too pricey to be honest (sub £50) but it's potentially a destructive process (i.e. if it fails it could split the barrels)
If it holds sentimental value there may be a process to establish the likelihood of catastrophic failure? Would be nice to keep it fully operationalI've had a look; not too pricey to be honest (sub £50) but it's potentially a destructive process (i.e. if it fails it could split the barrels)
I agree; I'll dig deeper. I think they do an inspection first and advise likely failure or not.
I do not (yet) have any sentimental attachment to it; it's just s lovely old gun (well, it will be with a little cleaning and gentle refurb).
I'll be happy to offer what insights I can if you are able to DM me ages of the proof marks, serial number and any rib engraving etc.
Initial thoughts & concerns are that it may well be only chambered & proofed for black powder short loads - potentially 2 1/2" or shorter low pressure loads. It's a lovely thing & appropriate cartridges will be available or loadable, but it's likely not up to a modern high pressure cartridge
I've had a look; not too pricey to be honest (sub £50) but it's potentially a destructive process (i.e. if it fails it could split the barrels)
Yes, it can be. However, a good gunsmith who is used to working on such guns should be able to advise if it's likely to pass. They should also be able to advise if it is in a reasonable condition to shoot black powder as it is.
Funnily enough I bumped into someone who refurbs old shotguns down here. I expect there's someone similar round your way but I don't know how you find them. You could ask on one of the shooting forums.
Dare I ask where you found the gun?
Hopefully not on the pavement outside Barclays!
- no. An old farmer neighbour has decided he no longer wants the bother of holding a shotgun certificate. He had this one, that hasn't been used for a long time and has been in his family for as long as he can remember, and a modern(ish) Baikal. He categorically does not want to keep it for sentimental reasons - I offered to get it decommissioned for him but he has no interest in keeping it (thankfully as it would be a shame really).He gets really stressed and worried about these sorts of things so I'm sorting his ticket and the transfer letters. And, no, I'm not taking advantage of him (that's not in my moral code). I'll get the guns valued and, if the Webley is affordable, I'll pay him for it. The Baikal is worth less than £100 and I'll move that on.
Well, after the first couple you probably will not be able to see the rest, or the field.
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