Webley .177 MK2 Service Rifle.
May 14, 2024
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The Webley Mk I air pistol holds a special place in the history of airguns. Produced by the esteemed Webley & Scott company, renowned for their firearms, the Mk I represented a pinnacle of craftsmanship and design in the pre-war air pistol market. This article delves into the history of the Webley factory, the Mk I’s technical specifications, its performance, and its enduring legacy as a collector’s item.
The Webley & Scott Legacy
Webley & Scott’s story begins in Birmingham, England, in the early 1800s. Initially a gun repair shop, they quickly rose to prominence as firearms manufacturers. Renowned for their revolvers, particularly the iconic Webley Service Revolver adopted by the British military, Webley & Scott became synonymous with quality and innovation. Recognizing the growing airgun market, they ventured into the air pistol arena in the early 20th century, forever etching their name in airgun history.
The Webley Mk I: Design and Engineering
The Webley Mk I, introduced sometime before the Second World War (exact dates remain elusive), was a breakbarrel air pistol. The term “breakbarrel” refers to the cocking mechanism where the barrel hinges at the breech to load a pellet. The Mk I was a single-shot, spring-piston design. The shooter would break the barrel open, insert a single .177 caliber lead pellet, and then close the barrel, cocking the powerful spring piston mechanism within.
The Mk I possessed a distinctive elegance. Earlier models featured a walnut grip with a distinctive slant, while later models opted for a more vertical grip design. The sights were basic, with a fixed blade at the rear and a ramp sight integrated into the barrel. The safety was a simple lever mechanism located behind the trigger.
While some resources claim the Mk I came in both .177 and .22 calibers, widely available information suggests .177 was the predominant caliber.
Performance and Popularity
The Webley Mk I was known for its exceptional accuracy and robust build quality. The powerful spring piston action delivered a satisfying shot with decent power for target shooting or pest control. Although not as powerful as some modern air pistols, the Mk I was more than capable for the time period.
The Mk I was likely not intended for competition use, but rather for leisure target shooting, plinking, and varmint control. For these purposes, it was a highly regarded air pistol, praised for its reliability and user-friendly design.
Production and End of an Era
Exact production figures for the Webley Mk I are not readily available. However, available information suggests production continued until at least the late 1950s. The Mk I was succeeded by the Webley Mk II and later models, but the Mk I retains a special status among collectors for its historical significance and classic design.
A Collector’s Prize
Today, the Webley Mk I is a sought-after collector’s item. Value can vary depending on condition, with well-preserved examples with the original box and paperwork fetching higher prices. Online marketplaces show asking prices ranging from a few hundred pounds to over a thousand, depending on factors like condition and scarcity.
Heres some nice history from Webley.
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