Description
Physical description
Webley WG Army Model (type 2) revolver. Flared grips, left chipped. Nickel finish. Fitted, probably after manufacture, with windage adjustable rear sight on the barrel catch and a wider than usual front sight. The rear grip strap has been crudely grooved.
History note
incorporates William Whiting's British Patents 3427 of February 1891 and 17291 of 1896 for the cylinder retainer. Research to date indicates that 'A. Grant' was Lieutenant Colonel Sir Arthur Grant of Monymusk, Aberdeenshire. As a Lieutenant in the 12th Royal Lancers during the Second Boer War he commanded a troop, and his Regiment was in pursuit of Scheepers' commando. As darkness fell, Grant's Kaffir scouts discovered a Boer encampment ahead of his troop. Grant, unaware that this was the entire commando, ordered a charge. Either his troop did not hear or misunderstood, and only Grant and his trumpeter charged the Boer picket, shooting the sentry and one other. Grant sent the trumpeter back for the troop, dismounted and stood behind a tree. The Boers began to come up one by one. As they did so, Grant said 'Hands up', disarmed them, and dumped six rifles and bandoliers in the nearby river. The Boers came up in larger force and Grant took to the river, up to his neck. Having located him, the Boers plastered the spot with rifle fire. The cold eventually forced Grant to surrender, and he was told he would be shot at dawn. Grant spent a miserable night, but in the morning the Boers had gone. For his gallant action, Grant was awarded the Distinguished Service Order. (Abridged from 'The Story of the XII Royal Lancers from 1715 to 1918' by Lt Col GW Hobson)
Stamped on left of top strap
"WG" ARMY MODEL
1. stamped on lower left of frame
2. engraved on barrel rib
3. stamped on left of barrel lug
4. engraved on left of barrel
1. WEBLEY PATENTS & Webley "flying bullet over W&S" trademark
2. HOLLAND & HOLLAND 98 NEW BOND ST LONDON
3. .455/.476
4. A. GRANT. 12TH R. LANCERS.
Stamped on right of frame
12167