Antique Webley Revolver .455 or .44 - Collectability question

Panic

Panic

CGN Regular
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Location
Burnaby, BC
I have 2 sold frame revolvers, one is 455 and one is 44 Webley. Both are antique status. I have all the parts to complete one of them.

Ammo for the 455 is easily accessible and the ammo for the 44 is as scarce as rocking horse poop. Does that play any significant role in valuation of the pistol? The 44 frame is a David Bentley retailed Toronto Police Force service revolver and the 455 frame is an Army Navy CSL retailed RIC Australian Military issue.

Which one would be more desirable to a collector? Any advice/opinion/info is welcomed.
 
Is ammunition availability much of a factor in value to a collector? More important to someone who wants a shooter?
In Canada, would a Toronto Police marked pistol be more desirable than an Australian marked one to a collector?
At the present, there is an open window that allows unpapered shooting opportunities for antique pistols. Think this is going to last?
I would suggest that you take the time and make the effort of restore both.
 
As someone with a couple antiques I personally like to fire them once in awhile. Availability of loaded ammo isn't the issue but the complexity of creating some can be.

455 is like loading 9mm. Starline makes brass, bullets and molds are available close to the right size. 44 Webley , I think you have to create cases, order a custom heeled bullet mold (unless jethunter has something), create your own load data, find compatible dies or order custom and make or find a special crimping die for the heeled bullets.

A historical collector will have different priorities. Something that functions will always be worth more though.
 
tiriaq said:
Is ammunition availability much of a factor in value to a collector? More important to someone who wants a shooter?
In Canada, would a Toronto Police marked pistol be more desirable than an Australian marked one to a collector?
At the present, there is an open window that allows unpapered shooting opportunities for antique pistols. Think this is going to last?
I would suggest that you take the time and make the effort of restore both.
Click to expand...

Oh, I'm reeeally not looking to restore both...the time taken to source the parts for one was frustrating enough :)
I'll put the 455 together and move the remaining 44 and parts at a later time.

Thanks for the input guys!
 
The 455 is an easier round to acquire and is easier to reload. The 44 is a heeled round and requires a unique crimp die that I could only fine at one dealer in the US at $50usd or make a special crimper from grinding up pliers. The 44 projectiles can be purchased at jetbullets. As a result I find similar guns in similar condition sell for about 2/3 of the 455.

Cheers
Moe
 
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