Issue with Webley MK VI

[ArmyCop119]

Help me, THR Webley gurus! You are my only hope!

I recently bought a Webley MK VI(cut for .45). Part of the reason I got it as cheap as I did was that it looked like the previous owner had never cleaned it while he owned it. Ever.

Between finding the needed instructions and actual work, getting it to operate properly took about a week, including a detail strip. If it was clean when I got it, I wouldn't know I even had a problem.

The hammer has a crack at the pivot pin hole. The crack is on the 'thin' side, but is full thickness.(photo is not my part. pic stolen from ebay auction)

Now, on to the questions.

Is this a common flaw?

Will it hurt anything if I don't repair this?

Can this be repaired(possibly by brazing), or must I track down a 'new' hammer?

I'd hate to be stuck buying a part that costs me 50% of the gun's price.

 

[Gordon]

It is a common flaw. It may keep on functioning under some occasional firing. It could be heliarced and reground by a real pro, but I think you could find another one cheaper and easier. I'd lube everything and put it back together while I looked on E bay and elsewhere for one. That is an old gun, remember that!