P. Webley and Sons combination gun, Strange conversion!

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P. Webley & Sons combination gun.

Friend has a chance to buy this gun. Rifle has as a full length insert in one of the barrels to convert to a rifle caliber. Photos I have found are one piece machine barrel. Gunsmith conversion or factory made?



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Unless you can find a maker's catalogue or sales price describing the shotgun to combination gun conversion, I'd think that is a gunsmith's best effort. But, in that era all guns were handmade so is there actually any difference?

Are there British or Continental proof marks for the conversion? If not, that might be an individual's personal gun or something made in a jurisdiction like Canada that doesn't proof firearms.
 
If the conversion had been done here in UK then it would have to have been re-proofed, probably in Birmingham where the vast majority of the English gun-trade existed. It does not look like a factory conversion to me despite the effective way in which the ejector has been incorporated. It also seems to be a hefty cartridge, too - can you tell us what it is?
 
The eccentric brass muzzle bushing is interesting. Probably an aftermarket kit installed by a gunsmith. The front sight installation looks neatly done.
 
This would be a gunsmith conversion, possibly a one off. It’s well thought out and designed, even allowing for adjustment. However the workmanship isn’t of the standard that the British gunmakers demanded of their workmen, suggesting that the work was done aftermarket in North America. As mentioned, if done in Britain or Europe the gun would have reproof marks for the rifle calibre. Considering the barrel lining, extractor and sights, this was a LOT of work by somebody. This is a very early centerfire gun, likely from prior to 1870, the conversion obviously newer but still very old. What is the cartridge?
 
Looks like it could be attached at the muzzle along the same lines as a Lee Shaver 22lr converter for Sharps rifles etc.The Lee Shaver converter inserts through the muzzle and is tightened down by the nut on the end making it easier to use on all single shots instead of just the falling block style like the Sharps etc.It would be interesting to know if yours is removable or not.View attachment 707286
 
I do not know the caliber. Deal fell through, my friend said the seller thinks he has super Cape Gun and he thinks it is worth $3,000.00 to $5,000.00.
 
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