Mr.Kirton,
In my post I alluded to the possibility of some of Dan'l Frasers actions being made by Webley. I have no access to any unpublished documents that may prove this, or do I even know if any exist.
I would however, respectfully draw your attention to Volume 6 of Wal Winfers series of books on British Single Shot Rifles. On pages 51 through to 54 inclusive, the author refers to this very possibility himself, and puts forth very sound business reasons why this may have taken place. Certainly Webley were advertising Frasers Patented Breech Action in .450" and .500" calibres made by them in 1888.
Winfer also states there are some receipts/documents in existance that showed there were trade dealings between Fraser and Webley although apparently none of those that remain refer directly to the Fraser Rifle Action.
I must admit Winfer puts forth good, sound, arguments. Even up to two or three decades ago most people who bought one of the British Single Shot Rifles,(albeit they were then second or third hand), especially those engraved or otherwise labelled as to be from one of the 'London' names, assumed that the gunmaker who's name appeared on the rifle, had made that rifle, from scratch. Today we know differently, and that many (although not all)of the top names bought in mass produced actions and parts from the Birmingham Gun Makers and even from some Continental sources.
Sadly things aren't always what they may appear to be on the surface. Outsourcing parts or components is nothing new, and it still takes place today in nearly every industry.
Harry
