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British Firearms (Pre. 1914) >> Breech Loading - Sporting Guns and Rifles >> Webley-Wyley Match Rifle
http://www.lrml.org/cgi-bin/researchpress/YaBB.pl?num=1111344429

Message started by dbm on 03/20/05 at 6:47pm

Title: Webley-Wyley Match Rifle
Post by dbm on 03/20/05 at 6:47pm

Does any have information on the Webley-Wyley match rifle? In particular I am seeking information as to barrel length and also pictures of sights and sight mountings.

I am aware of Walsh's 1884 "Modern Sprtsman's Gun and Rifle" which pictures and describes the rifle. There is also brief information in Lieut.-Colonel H. Bond's 1884 "Treatise on Military Small Arms and Ammunition."

I would also like to research associated patent information. Can anyone give me a patent reference at all? The rifle was, I understand, introduced in 1879.

Thanks,

David

Title: Re: Webley-Wyley Match Rifle
Post by dbm on 03/22/05 at 7:05pm

Seems Mr. Wyley was a busy man... I have ben advised of the following patents registered to him:

2453 of 1861
1645 of 1864
1786 of 1864
2642 of 1866
863 of 1867
425 of 1871
2238 of 1874
1754 of 1879

Below is a drawing extract from 1754 of 1879.

http://www.researchpress.co.uk/pics/wyley_part.jpg

The patent abridgement and full drawing show various improvements to firearms. The following text relates to the rotating breech action used on the match rifle:

1754. Wyley, A. 3 May 1879

"Breech actions, hinged breech-block; breech actions, laterally-moving barrel. �Relates to modifications in the guns described in Specification No. 2238, A.D. 1874. In one class, the breech-block A, Fig. 1, hinged to turn transversely, is mounted on a segment of a cylinder placed centrally below the barrel, the segment being completed by the front of the trigger guard, which has a projection forming a stop for the block A. A bar extractor E is actuated by the motion of the block by means of a cam-groove which engages a stud on the extractor; the hammer, which has a horn entering a cam-groove in the block, is cocked at the same time. "

"Trigger guards. �The hinged guard D, Fig. 1, is secured at the front by a transverse pin, or by a turn-pin fitted with a handle. The rear hinge may be replaced by a tooth and socket joint. "

I've not seen the abridgement for 2238 of 1874 but would be interested to do so.

David

Title: Re: Webley-Wyley Match Rifle
Post by Bill_Curtis on 03/23/05 at 12:46am

We have one in the NRA Museum.

Title: Re: Webley-Wyley Match Rifle
Post by dbm on 03/23/05 at 6:47am

Thanks Bill. Tricky bit is getting to Bisley when the museum is open. All being well I'll be able to sort something in due course.

David

Title: Re: Webley-Wyley Match Rifle
Post by pluton on 11/24/05 at 1:28pm

David,

I don't know how your search for Wyley's patents and information about the Webley-Wyley is going as I have only just joined the forum.

However, I am also interested in this particular rifle and have copies of a couple of the patents which I will copy for you if you wish.

My particular interest in the rifle is that one was used by Corporal (later Sergeant) H. Bates of the British team in the match against the US National Guard at Creedmoor in 1882 and it is details of him and the match itself that I am researching.

You were good enough to give me copies of an article from Harpers Weekly some time ago and at last perhaps I can repay your kind assistance. I work about 20 minutes from the British Library and will be happy to obtain copies of any patents you may need for your research.

The rifle that Bill Curtis mentioned at the NRA museum is an example with Metford rifling but I found out last night from David Penn that the Imperial War Museum also has one in their collection. I will try to find out more about that one if you are interested.

regards,

Pete Luton
Marylebone Rifle & Pistol Club

Title: Re: Webley-Wyley Match Rifle
Post by dbm on 12/10/05 at 2:55pm

Pete,

Thanks for the kind offer of the patent search. I don't need any more info at this stage but may well take you up on the offer at a later date! :)

I hadn't known that Bates used a Wyley in the 1882 match so that's interesting.

A friend has some castings of a Wyley breech mechanism and I was toying with having him make me a rifle, but something else came up! ;)

David