Capt Jack from Torchwood has a Webley!

Need help finding an Indy Gun, want to discuss film used guns...

Moderator: Cajunkraut

User avatar
Canyon
Legendary Adventurer
Legendary Adventurer
Posts: 6138
Joined: Thu Sep 18, 2003 3:16 pm
Location: Swooning over my husband (and Indy!!!)
Contact:

Capt Jack from Torchwood has a Webley!

Post by Canyon »

Torchwood for those of you who don't know, is a spin off from Dr. Who and was lauched here in the UK a few weeks ago.

During last week's episode, I noticed that the main character, Captain Jack Harkness, was sporting an old style holster and whilst I was watching last nights episode (Episode 4/13 - Cyberwoman) I got a pretty good look at the holster and gun.

This picture is a little small, but you can just about make it out. :wink:

Image


Pretty cool, huh? :D
User avatar
Kt Templar
Legendary Adventurer
Legendary Adventurer
Posts: 4715
Joined: Sun Jun 12, 2005 4:32 am
Location: London.

Post by Kt Templar »

Hey, that's interesting! Originally, in the Doctor Who episodes he sported a futuristic wooden handled, but with a glowing "Powerpack", almost piratey looking gun. Unfortunately with the current gun hysteria in the UK, the likelyhood of a replica is pretty low. The beeb wouldn't sanction cyber killer bfgs either :( (would have made great water guns).
User avatar
Indiana Jerry
Scoundrel
Posts: 4684
Joined: Sat Sep 11, 2004 12:59 am
Location: DBSSWWD ~ "This is how we say goodbye to MIMES in Germany!"
Contact:

Post by Indiana Jerry »

As soon as I saw the thread I heard alarm bells --- "Wait...Capt Jack...and TORCHWOOD???" Ooh, no spoilers, please! I hope The SciFi Channel picks this up, too. We are just now in something like the 4th or 5th episode of season 2 of Dr. Who...
User avatar
Canyon
Legendary Adventurer
Legendary Adventurer
Posts: 6138
Joined: Thu Sep 18, 2003 3:16 pm
Location: Swooning over my husband (and Indy!!!)
Contact:

Post by Canyon »

Well, I thought that this thread would gather up some more interest, but, oh well... :)

KT & Jerry, thanks for the replies. :wink: and Jerry, don't worry. No spoilers here... :D
User avatar
binkmeisterRick
Stealer of Wallets
Posts: 16926
Joined: Thu Mar 11, 2004 3:22 pm
Location: Chattering with these old bones

Post by binkmeisterRick »

I have a local friend who's got the first couple eps of Torchwood. I have to convince her to share. :wink: And yes, please, no spoilers. Though Jerry, I can safely say that I've seen all the current eps. of Dr. Who BEFORE they were on Sci-Fi! :P :wink:
User avatar
Canyon
Legendary Adventurer
Legendary Adventurer
Posts: 6138
Joined: Thu Sep 18, 2003 3:16 pm
Location: Swooning over my husband (and Indy!!!)
Contact:

Post by Canyon »

Now you're just showing off! :twisted:
User avatar
Indiana Jerry
Scoundrel
Posts: 4684
Joined: Sat Sep 11, 2004 12:59 am
Location: DBSSWWD ~ "This is how we say goodbye to MIMES in Germany!"
Contact:

Post by Indiana Jerry »

No, don't encourage him, we just got the flap back ON his bunny jammies...
Last edited by Indiana Jerry on Thu Nov 16, 2006 1:09 am, edited 1 time in total.
User avatar
binkmeisterRick
Stealer of Wallets
Posts: 16926
Joined: Thu Mar 11, 2004 3:22 pm
Location: Chattering with these old bones

Post by binkmeisterRick »

I LIKE showing off! Besides, what a pair we'd make, Jerry, me in my bunny jammies, you in your Marion dress... :wink:
User avatar
Indiana Jerry
Scoundrel
Posts: 4684
Joined: Sat Sep 11, 2004 12:59 am
Location: DBSSWWD ~ "This is how we say goodbye to MIMES in Germany!"
Contact:

Post by Indiana Jerry »

binkmeisterRick wrote:I LIKE showing off! Besides, what a pair we'd make, Jerry, me in my bunny jammies, you in your Marion dress... :wink:
...dancing into the night...like some Pepto Bismol induced hallucination...
User avatar
binkmeisterRick
Stealer of Wallets
Posts: 16926
Joined: Thu Mar 11, 2004 3:22 pm
Location: Chattering with these old bones

Post by binkmeisterRick »

Talk about STRANGERS in the night! :lol:

I was talking with my local Torchwod addict last night. Looks like I'll be borrowing some episodes soon enough. :wink:
User avatar
Kt Templar
Legendary Adventurer
Legendary Adventurer
Posts: 4715
Joined: Sun Jun 12, 2005 4:32 am
Location: London.

Post by Kt Templar »

Don't get your anticipation levels up too high. Not wishing to be overcritical they are a little "uneven". And none of the actors seem particularly likeable or, dare I say it, even that photogenic.

:)
User avatar
binkmeisterRick
Stealer of Wallets
Posts: 16926
Joined: Thu Mar 11, 2004 3:22 pm
Location: Chattering with these old bones

Post by binkmeisterRick »

I won't tell my friend Carla that, since she drools over the good Captain so. :wink:
User avatar
Kt Templar
Legendary Adventurer
Legendary Adventurer
Posts: 4715
Joined: Sun Jun 12, 2005 4:32 am
Location: London.

Post by Kt Templar »

binkmeisterRick wrote:I won't tell my friend Carla that, since she drools over the good Captain so. :wink:
She knows he "bats for the other side" doesn't she? ;)
User avatar
binkmeisterRick
Stealer of Wallets
Posts: 16926
Joined: Thu Mar 11, 2004 3:22 pm
Location: Chattering with these old bones

Post by binkmeisterRick »

I was under the impression he was a "switch hitter." :wink:
User avatar
Kt Templar
Legendary Adventurer
Legendary Adventurer
Posts: 4715
Joined: Sun Jun 12, 2005 4:32 am
Location: London.

Post by Kt Templar »

Indeed! :). His stint on "how do you solve a problem like Maria" sort of confirmed any doubts.

It took me a little while to place him in "The Producers", the blond hair threw me.
User avatar
Kt Templar
Legendary Adventurer
Legendary Adventurer
Posts: 4715
Joined: Sun Jun 12, 2005 4:32 am
Location: London.

Post by Kt Templar »

Oh, way off topic sorry!

For you "Who" fans, Christopher Ecclestone has joined the cast of HEROES starting in Jan.

He didn't have a Webley, but did have a cool leather jacket. 8)
User avatar
Canyon
Legendary Adventurer
Legendary Adventurer
Posts: 6138
Joined: Thu Sep 18, 2003 3:16 pm
Location: Swooning over my husband (and Indy!!!)
Contact:

Post by Canyon »

Jerry and Bink, you're gonna give me nightmares. :-0 =; :mrgreen:

I happen to think that Capt Jack is quite nice too. :D Shame he swings the other way though. :wink:
User avatar
Ripper
Professor of Archaeology
Professor of Archaeology
Posts: 948
Joined: Thu Jul 04, 2002 12:05 am
Location: Colorado

Post by Ripper »

Shame he swings the other way though.
Now thats just funny. :lol:
User avatar
Canyon
Legendary Adventurer
Legendary Adventurer
Posts: 6138
Joined: Thu Sep 18, 2003 3:16 pm
Location: Swooning over my husband (and Indy!!!)
Contact:

Post by Canyon »

Indiana Ripper wrote:
Shame he swings the other way though.
Now thats just funny. :lol:
What, the way I said it, or the fact that he's gay? :wink:
User avatar
Ripper
Professor of Archaeology
Professor of Archaeology
Posts: 948
Joined: Thu Jul 04, 2002 12:05 am
Location: Colorado

Post by Ripper »

Im not sure....it just struck me as funny. I think it was the way you put it. :wink:
carebear
Laboratory Technician
Laboratory Technician
Posts: 153
Joined: Thu Sep 07, 2006 2:09 am
Location: Anchorage, Alaska

Post by carebear »

I had no clue what Torchwood was, so I looked it up on Wiki. Pretty thorough article on the history and characters and how it interlocks with Dr. Who.

It's probably worth looking at even, for fans. Does a good explanation of the main character's orientation(s).
User avatar
Erri
Legendary Adventurer
Legendary Adventurer
Posts: 4601
Joined: Sat Apr 30, 2005 1:02 pm

Post by Erri »

We don't have Dr.Who here :roll:
The picture is SUPER cool Canyon! I've always liked the Webley :D
User avatar
Indiana Jerry
Scoundrel
Posts: 4684
Joined: Sat Sep 11, 2004 12:59 am
Location: DBSSWWD ~ "This is how we say goodbye to MIMES in Germany!"
Contact:

Post by Indiana Jerry »

erri_wan wrote:We don't have Dr.Who here :roll:
The picture is SUPER cool Canyon! I've always liked the Webley :D
erri's right, the Webley is the only way to keep this on topic! Although an Indiana Jones / Dr. Who crossover would be interesting.

"That belongs in a museum!"
"Brilliant!"
User avatar
Erri
Legendary Adventurer
Legendary Adventurer
Posts: 4601
Joined: Sat Apr 30, 2005 1:02 pm

Post by Erri »

Indiana Jerry wrote:
erri_wan wrote:We don't have Dr.Who here :roll:
The picture is SUPER cool Canyon! I've always liked the Webley :D
erri's right, the Webley is the only way to keep this on topic! Although an Indiana Jones / Dr. Who crossover would be interesting.

"That belongs in a museum!"
"Brilliant!"
oh well I meant that we don't have Dr. Who in Italy ("here") :lol:
Sorry for the misunderstanding.
User avatar
Kt Templar
Legendary Adventurer
Legendary Adventurer
Posts: 4715
Joined: Sun Jun 12, 2005 4:32 am
Location: London.

Post by Kt Templar »

erri_wan wrote: oh well I meant that we don't have Dr. Who in Italy ("here") :lol:
Sorry for the misunderstanding.
From what I understand, you will have before too long.
User avatar
Indiana Jerry
Scoundrel
Posts: 4684
Joined: Sat Sep 11, 2004 12:59 am
Location: DBSSWWD ~ "This is how we say goodbye to MIMES in Germany!"
Contact:

Post by Indiana Jerry »

Darn, and I thought that meant we might get Dr. Who on COW. Well, back to hoping...
Alan Eardley
Field Surveyor
Field Surveyor
Posts: 70
Joined: Sat Oct 29, 2005 3:52 pm
Location: Midlands UK

Re: Capt Jack from Torchwood has a Webley!

Post by Alan Eardley »

Canyon wrote:Torchwood for those of you who don't know, is a spin off from Dr. Who and was lauched here in the UK a few weeks ago.

During last week's episode, I noticed that the main character, Captain Jack Harkness, was sporting an old style holster and whilst I was watching last nights episode (Episode 4/13 - Cyberwoman) I got a pretty good look at the holster and gun.

This picture is a little small, but you can just about make it out. :wink:

Image

Canyon,

That looks more like an Enfield Mk2* to me.

Alan


Pretty cool, huh? :D
User avatar
Michaelson
Knower of Things
Posts: 44484
Joined: Tue Jun 25, 2002 12:55 pm
Location: Out here knowing stuff and things and wishing I were with the family at Universal Studios Orlando

Post by Michaelson »

Enfield hammers didn't have a hammer spur for single action cocking, but were double action only. I can see a hammer spur in that photo, but also think it's a Mk IV .38 instead of a Webley .455.

Regards! Michaelson
User avatar
Indiana Jerry
Scoundrel
Posts: 4684
Joined: Sat Sep 11, 2004 12:59 am
Location: DBSSWWD ~ "This is how we say goodbye to MIMES in Germany!"
Contact:

Post by Indiana Jerry »

Michaelson wrote:Enfield hammers didn't have a hammer spur for single action cocking, but were double action only. I can see a hammer spur in that photo, but also think it's a Mk IV .38 instead of a Webley .455.

Regards! Michaelson
In wrestling terms, that post would be an absolute clothesline, leading into a double-suplex piledriver... ;)

...er, I meant, I'm still amazed at the stuff you know about firearms...how far can you shoot from your front porch? (I'm picturing the Africa scene from the League Of Extraordinary Gentlemen again..."Darnit...need my glasses...") 8)

I only ask in case I need to stay out of range... 8-[
User avatar
IndianaGuybrush
Dig Leader
Dig Leader
Posts: 627
Joined: Sun Feb 15, 2004 9:40 pm
Location: Brooklyn, NY

Post by IndianaGuybrush »

Don't worry Jerry, we're well out of range

::Explosion::

:shock:
User avatar
Indiana Jerry
Scoundrel
Posts: 4684
Joined: Sat Sep 11, 2004 12:59 am
Location: DBSSWWD ~ "This is how we say goodbye to MIMES in Germany!"
Contact:

Post by Indiana Jerry »

Here, you hide behind me, I'll hide behind you, and we'll just hope for a short round... ;)
User avatar
Michaelson
Knower of Things
Posts: 44484
Joined: Tue Jun 25, 2002 12:55 pm
Location: Out here knowing stuff and things and wishing I were with the family at Universal Studios Orlando

Post by Michaelson »

Actually, I'm getting more toward the 'Second Hand Lions' practice of sitting on the front porch with a shotgun and waiting until someone comes in the front yard......THEN pulling out the rifle when they run down the road......"take your time. You've already made the shot before you pull the trigger....." :wink:

Regards! Michaelson
Alan Eardley
Field Surveyor
Field Surveyor
Posts: 70
Joined: Sat Oct 29, 2005 3:52 pm
Location: Midlands UK

Enfield vs Webley

Post by Alan Eardley »

Michaelson wrote:Enfield hammers didn't have a hammer spur for single action cocking, but were double action only. I can see a hammer spur in that photo, but also think it's a Mk IV .38 instead of a Webley .455.

Regards! Michaelson
Michaelson,

Hello!

You are correct about the pistol in the photograph of the young actor being a Webley, but not for teh reasons you give. On closer examination with a magnifier on a decent monitor it is, as you say, a Webley of some description, as identified by the scolloped barrel support and the 'pip' foresight. I don't think you can be so confident that it is a .38.

I quote from the official Home Guard Manual on small arms, '5 - Webley Pistol. (1) The .38 pistol is very similar to the .45 pistol, the only difference being that the Cam Fixing Screw is on the left on the .45 and on the right in the .38 (my italics). There is also the difference in calibre'. Home Guard Manual (1941) HMG, P. 66. I have looked very carefully with a powerful magnifier at the much larger original photograph from which Canyon's picture was taken (it appears in the British TV press advertising BBC3's Torchwood programme) and I can't see the cam fixing screw clearly enough to be sure. If you can see it, I salute your eyesight and your monitor.

I have to say that you are wrong about the hammer spur being missing from all the Enfield models. As I am sure you know the Enfield design was 'stolen' from Webley and Scott and the early Enfield MK 2 had a spur, very like the Webley. I quote Chris Chant (a noted authority on British service small arms):
'The Enfield product became the Pistol, No 2. Mk 1...large numbers of these pistols (my italics) were issued to the crews of tanks...who rapidly made the unfortunately discovery that the long hammer spur had a tendency to catch on the many internal fittings of tanks with what could be nasty results. This led to a redesign in which the Enfield pistol had its hammer spur removed altogether (my italics) and its trigger mechanism lightened to enable the weapon to be fired only as a double action pistol' Chant, C. (2003) Small Arms. Amber Books, London P.24.

So, clear enough, then. The early Enfield .38s were made with a hammer spur. The later ones do not have it. Incidentally, many Webleys had the spur removed 'in service' for the same reason, so the absence (or not) of a hammer spur is not a reliable way to differentiate between the models. The barrel, foresight and trigger guard are always different on all models.

Regards to you.

Alan
Alan Eardley
Field Surveyor
Field Surveyor
Posts: 70
Joined: Sat Oct 29, 2005 3:52 pm
Location: Midlands UK

Webley and Enfield revolvers

Post by Alan Eardley »

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so here a some pictures.

First an Enfield Pistol, Revolver No 2 from 1936. Note the hammer spur.
Image

And a Webley Mk lV from the same period. Note the different foresight and barrel support and trigger guard.Image

And a war-time Enfield 'Tank Crew' model without the hammer spur.
Image

In my experience, many people mistake Enfields in photographs for Webleys. It's easily done.

By the way, I showed the 'Captain Jack' photo to a friend who used to shoot Webleys in competition and his (very well informed opinion) is that it is a target model .22 rimfire MKlV as it appears to have an 8inch barrel.

Alan
User avatar
Indiana Jerry
Scoundrel
Posts: 4684
Joined: Sat Sep 11, 2004 12:59 am
Location: DBSSWWD ~ "This is how we say goodbye to MIMES in Germany!"
Contact:

Re: Webley and Enfield revolvers

Post by Indiana Jerry »

Alan Eardley wrote:They say a picture is worth a thousand words, so here a some pictures.
Borrowing something we say at work, I'd extend that to say a working piece in hand is worth a thousand pictures. ;)

Good reference pics - thanks!
User avatar
Michaelson
Knower of Things
Posts: 44484
Joined: Tue Jun 25, 2002 12:55 pm
Location: Out here knowing stuff and things and wishing I were with the family at Universal Studios Orlando

Post by Michaelson »

Sorry, Alan, but I do not agree. I've OWNED an example of a .38 MkIV, and a .455 MkVI. The frame size difference is immense. It's like comparing a K frame Smith and Wesson to an N frame of the same company. Same outline, but the N frame is almost a 1/3 again larger in actual size.
The same goes for the .38 S&W Webley to .455 Webley in a 5-6 inch barrel, which is what is shown in this photo. Due to the none massive nature of the cylinder size for a .455 to the actor's hands, this is a .38 (that is unless this actor is the same size as Andre the Giant. If that's the case, all bets are off. :wink: )

Regards! Michaelson
michaeljcr
Laboratory Technician
Laboratory Technician
Posts: 176
Joined: Thu Nov 17, 2005 2:57 pm
Location: Lancashire, UK.

Post by michaeljcr »

I looked Webley up the other day to see what happened to them after their recent financial troubles - the good news is they were bought by a UK based company selling airguns and related products. It's interesting that on the Webley internet site they have some blank firing replicas:

http://www.webley.co.uk/products_list.asp?Cat_ID=24

I've emailed them and asked if they have any plans to do a Webley replica - I bet at the moment they could do well off the back of the Torchwood series. No answer yet, but it would be cool if they did!
Alan Eardley
Field Surveyor
Field Surveyor
Posts: 70
Joined: Sat Oct 29, 2005 3:52 pm
Location: Midlands UK

Webley

Post by Alan Eardley »

Yes, the Webley and Scott company just down the road from me closed its doors for the last time in December 2005. I suppose it is some good news that its airgun and shotgun concerns were taken over by local companies that had been its customers.

More important, perhaps, is the news that that the Webley and Scott firearm archive has been rescued by an organisation which, I understand, plans to make it available to researchers (perhaps on-line) when it is suitably catalogued and organised. I was most concerned that this would be lost when the W&S assets were sold by the Official Receiver earlier this year. It consists of records on manufacturing runs, serial numbers, sales invoices, contract details and engineering drawings for all Marks I - VI going back to WW1. In the past, through a contact, I was able to visit the factory and inspect the old records and I can tell you they make fascinating reading. My notes from such visits include the following manufacturing details of the Birmingham factory:

Manufacturing books of Mark V & Mark VI .455 Revolvers (1914 – 1918)
Manufacturing books of Mark VI & WS .455 Revolvers (1918 – 1940)
Manufacturing book of Mark III .38 Revolvers (1925 – 1942), serial nos. 27800 – 32899
Manufacturing books of Mark IV .38 Revs (1941 – 1964), serial nos. 32900 – 44588
Manufacturing books of Mark IV .32 Revs (1949 – 1969), serial nos. 32900 – 44588

Now, to address Michaelson's point. If I may say, I think you are not so much comparing a .455 with a .38 as a big pistol with a little one. If you were to compare a Mk VI .455 with a Mk III .38 you would see that they are substantially the same, the main difference being in the 'handedness' of the ejector mechanism. This is what is being described in the Home Guard manual I quoted above.

Between WW1 and WW2 Webley made revolvers in two different frame sizes - Mks I - III and Mks V and VI are big ( approx. 1.2 Kg.) and the MKIV is small (approx. 0.9 Kg.) as you say. The MK III came in .38 calibre and had the same frame size as the Mk II, Mk V and Mk VI. It was never adopted by the British Army, although it went on to have a long (if not numerous) career in overseas armies, (particularly on the Indian sub-continent) and as a police and civilian weapon. Here is a commercial ('pocket') version of the MkIII, note the opposite position of the ejector to a Mk VI, but like a MkIV:
Image

The Mk III was, of course replaced by the Mk IV which was a more sensible size for a .38 and which was developed in conjunction with RSAF Enfield which produced all the early MK IVs at Enfield Lock. Webley did not resume production of its own Mk IV at Birmingham until 1941 (see records above) the British Army having contracted all its .38 pistol production to RSAF between 1932 and 1941. Resuming production of the MIV at Birmingham coincided with the demise of the Mk III, as the Mk IV was a more sensible frame size for a .38. Note that the handing of the ejector on the Mk IV owes more to the Mk III than to the Mk VI, so the common statement that 'the Mk IV is a scaled down version of the Mk VI' is only partly correct. Note also that the Webley Fosbery (for which compete records are available in the Birmingham archive) was available in both .38 and .455 calibres.

Now, back to Canyon's photograph of Captain Jack. You can see the ejector on the left (but not on my old monitor!) so it is possible that it is a 'large' Mk III or a 'small' MkIV, but I will give Michaelson the benefit of the doubt on the frame size and on the barrel length. The photograph was taken with a wide-angle lens to exagerate the actor's pose, and that can give a very distorted impression of size and length. In any case, I bow to Michaelson's superior knowledge of things Webley.

Incidentally, if anyone wants a copy of the manual relating to WW2 Webleys (it is only a couple of pages and is done on a manual typewriter with quite crude line drawings) PM me and I see if I can send you a copy.

Suprisingly, you can still buy a brand-new copy of a Webley MKIII, although I wouldn't recommend it. I travel regularly to northern Pakistan, and in a town near the Afghan border called Darra (where copying guns is a local industry) there is a blacksmiths shop making by hand Webley Mk IIIs complete with fake WS diamonds, Birmingham Proof marks and the /l\ mark. Just don't ask me to bring one back!

Regards!
End of thread, I hope?

Alan
carebear
Laboratory Technician
Laboratory Technician
Posts: 153
Joined: Thu Sep 07, 2006 2:09 am
Location: Anchorage, Alaska

Post by carebear »

What''s the going rate on that Darra Webley? :D

Given the level of craftsmanship I've seen on pics of copied AK's it would only be the steel quality I'd be afraid of, not the workmanship.
User avatar
Michaelson
Knower of Things
Posts: 44484
Joined: Tue Jun 25, 2002 12:55 pm
Location: Out here knowing stuff and things and wishing I were with the family at Universal Studios Orlando

Re: Enfield vs Webley

Post by Michaelson »

Alan Eardley wrote: I don't think you can be so confident that it is a .38.

Regards to you.

Alan
I beg to differ, Alan. I can be JUST as confident as I WANT!!!!! :evil:

I'm probably WRONG, but can be CONFIDENT!!!! [-( :lol: :wink:

Seriously, very good points. Yes, I've owned several Webley's in my time, and quite honestly, I do not care for them at all. They're built like trucks, and made to take a licking and keep on ticking....but they're to much steel to pack for the work they were built to do. Not to take a thing away from the Webley. It's a classic, and one well worth purchase for the serious gun collector and Indy fan. I'm just not one of them. I am familiar the Enfield AND the Webley .38's, though, and still stand by my statement regarding those being hammerless.....but like I said, I also stand by my right to be totally and completely incorrect on the matter. Thank you. :lol:

Thanks Alan! GOod stuff up there!!!!

HIGH regard! Michaelson
carebear
Laboratory Technician
Laboratory Technician
Posts: 153
Joined: Thu Sep 07, 2006 2:09 am
Location: Anchorage, Alaska

Re: Enfield vs Webley

Post by carebear »

Michaelson wrote:
I'm probably WRONG, but can be CONFIDENT!!!! [-( :lol: :wink:

HIGH regard! Michaelson
Often wrong, never uncertain. :D
User avatar
Canyon
Legendary Adventurer
Legendary Adventurer
Posts: 6138
Joined: Thu Sep 18, 2003 3:16 pm
Location: Swooning over my husband (and Indy!!!)
Contact:

Post by Canyon »

FINALLY!!! I start a contraversial thread on COW!!! :twisted:

Gentlemen, your expertese on the subject amazes me. I am astounded!! :shock: :D
User avatar
Michaelson
Knower of Things
Posts: 44484
Joined: Tue Jun 25, 2002 12:55 pm
Location: Out here knowing stuff and things and wishing I were with the family at Universal Studios Orlando

Re: Enfield vs Webley

Post by Michaelson »

carebear wrote:
Michaelson wrote:
I'm probably WRONG, but can be CONFIDENT!!!! [-( :lol: :wink:

HIGH regard! Michaelson
Often wrong, never uncertain. :D
There you go! :wink:

Canyon, some of us count threads and haggle about pocket size and placement...others count screw heads on the sides of revolvers to determine a model. It's all in what catches your interest at any given time. :D

Regard! Michaelson
Alan Eardley
Field Surveyor
Field Surveyor
Posts: 70
Joined: Sat Oct 29, 2005 3:52 pm
Location: Midlands UK

Post by Alan Eardley »

carebear wrote:What''s the going rate on that Darra Webley? :D

Given the level of craftsmanship I've seen on pics of copied AK's it would only be the steel quality I'd be afraid of, not the workmanship.
Their AKSU and AK copies are generally very good. If it's good enough for Mr. Bin Laden...

However, a US collectible arms dealer had two Webley copies from this area on his website recently with a warning that the cylinder wasn't registering properly with the barrel on either example. They were, it has to be said, quite old and that could be wear rather than a manufacturing fault. I think you'd need to inspect on before buying.

The going rate? Expensive. You could probably haggle down to two grand. That's in roupees, of course - about 35 dollars.

Here's some photos of the local production line in full swing. They're making a an Enfield Rifle No. 4 copy.
Image

Forming the barrel

Image

Making the bolt assembly

Image

Drilling the chamber

Image

Rifling the barrel. Note the rocks.

Alan
Alan Eardley
Field Surveyor
Field Surveyor
Posts: 70
Joined: Sat Oct 29, 2005 3:52 pm
Location: Midlands UK

Post by Alan Eardley »

Canyon wrote:FINALLY!!! I start a contraversial thread on COW!!! :twisted:

Gentlemen, your expertese on the subject amazes me. I am astounded!! :shock: :D
Canyon,

Nothing controversial here! Just two middle aged dudes having a discussion...

Michaelson is correct - Mr. Barrowman is sporting a Mk IV Webley in the photograph.

He is also correct that Webleys were archaic, crude and obsolete by the beginning of the 20th century. I think that's a part of their charm - a bit like the British motorcycles that used to be made in the same city.

How about this? It's a Webley and Green .476 with a nine inch barrel. Called 'the British Peacemaker' at the time.
Image
User avatar
Michaelson
Knower of Things
Posts: 44484
Joined: Tue Jun 25, 2002 12:55 pm
Location: Out here knowing stuff and things and wishing I were with the family at Universal Studios Orlando

Post by Michaelson »

Ungainly, heavy.....and probably one of the most beautiful in terms of fit and finish, and next TO the Colt Peacemaker, the most recognized military revolver ever made in history!

VERY nice example there, Alan!! Is it yours?


Regards! Michaelson
Alan Eardley
Field Surveyor
Field Surveyor
Posts: 70
Joined: Sat Oct 29, 2005 3:52 pm
Location: Midlands UK

Webley-Green

Post by Alan Eardley »

Mine? No. It belongs to a noted Webley collector in the US.

Hang on...looking at the barrel...it may be an eight inch...

Regards

Alan
carebear
Laboratory Technician
Laboratory Technician
Posts: 153
Joined: Thu Sep 07, 2006 2:09 am
Location: Anchorage, Alaska

Post by carebear »

Alan Eardley wrote:The going rate? Expensive. You could probably haggle down to two grand. That's in roupees, of course - about 35 dollars.

Alan
I've seen that middle guy's work, no way I'm going over $32.50. :D

It seems so amazing in these days of injection molding and CAD/CAM milling machines but, heck, it isn't THAT different from the gunworks of the latter half of the 19th Century.

If the Russkies (and the West, to be fair) hadn't spent most of the latter 20th handing out rifles like lollipops we'd see more of this kind of thing outside the Hindu-Kush.

Human ingenuity will out.
User avatar
Michaelson
Knower of Things
Posts: 44484
Joined: Tue Jun 25, 2002 12:55 pm
Location: Out here knowing stuff and things and wishing I were with the family at Universal Studios Orlando

Post by Michaelson »

You see the same thing in some of the repro pocket watches coming out of China. Simply amazing work.

Regards! Michaelson
carebear
Laboratory Technician
Laboratory Technician
Posts: 153
Joined: Thu Sep 07, 2006 2:09 am
Location: Anchorage, Alaska

Post by carebear »

With hand tools and a charcoal forge. :shock:

Too bad distance and so many regulatory agencies are involved or these guys could probably do quite well making inexpensive but dead accurate, non-firing replica's for reenactors and such in restrictive countries.

Change the economy a bit toward the peaceful side.
Post Reply