1911 British 455 webley info needed

[tedm]

Picked up a Colt 1911 455 webley serial W106365 yesterday at the gun show for $1000. Just reviewed Clausen and seems it has OK markings including broad arrow, crossed pennants, crown/G2/A, VP and 7, except no RAF. Two British contracts including US1139-MM67 which was shipped 1/22/1918 W94100-W106800. Also contract US 6755-MM264 for an additional 5,000 from 12/1918-4/1919 from serial W10266-W110696 for the British Air Service.

Since there is no RAF do I assume this pistol came from the first contract? Any idea where or how it was used or to which unit issued?

There is a Hi Standard barrel in it now and plastic WW11 type grips. Is that OK, even though probaly rebuilt? Or should I look for replacement barrel/grips?

Any thoughts.

[Kid Sopris]

I would like to see a picture. I don't recall ever seeing a 1911 in 455 Webley. I think a rare bird like that is worthy of a few photgraphs.

[Oyeboten]

Is the Magazine correct?

[Rob Greer]

With the barrel changed to a WWII High Standard, I would expect the original magazine was long ago lost. I know the correct magazines are worth several hundred, and I'm sure the barrel is also up there... maybe $600 to $800 for the pair - if you can find them. I would think it was converted by a civilian in the many years after the war.

[oldcanuck]

Pretty typical to see a .455 Eley converted to .45 ACP. The lack of a RAF stamp just means it wasnt a RAF pistol...... probably Army.

[tedm]

Thanks, yes it was converted to 45. Original barrel and mag are long gone.

[Vettepartz]

There is a fair market value for the .455 Webley depending on condition. The ones that are converted to .45 acp usually lose about 40% of that value. Trying to find a correct barrel for that can be very tough nowadays. Good luck.

[Oyeboten]

Were the Colt Barrels stamped with some designation or with '455' or something?

And or, how would one tell if one did find a .455 Barrel?

[Vettepartz]

The .455 and the 45acp barrels look almost identical. However, the tang on the top at the rear of the .455 has a small groove cut into it where the lip on the cartridge case will mate with. Sorry if my explanation is not too good. Here is a picture with a .455 on the left and a 45acp on the right. I searched a long time before I found one of these.

[Oyeboten]

Wow...fairly subtle difference...


I have seen a few of the .455 Government Models and I never quite understood just what the differences were...seems like they were usually 1914-ish era...and, hence, entirely lovely when in any sort of half way good condition.

Was the Magazine Well and correct Magazine identical to the usual? Or, were they a little teeeeeny bit wider?

I have not succeeded in finding specs for the .455 Automatic Cartridge.

Did the Cartridge register or 'space' on a partial Rim? And, hence, the slight cut seen in the Tang of the Barrel?