2nd Boer War Webley & Scott W.G. Army Model 1896 .476 DA Revolver, Antique
SOLD FOR: $3125
LSB#: 210722TS29
Make: Webley & Scott
Model: Webley Government Army Model of 1896
Serial Number: 16840
Year of Manufacture: 1897-1898 Antique
Caliber: .476 Webley
Action Type: Single or Double Action Top Break Revolver with Left Side Thumb Release
Markings: The left side of the top strap is marked “”WG” ARMY MODEL”. The left side of the frame is marked “WEBLEY / PATENTS” and a W&S “Winged Bullet”. The left flat on the barrel lug is marked “455/476”. The right side of the frame is marked “16840”. The underside of the barrel lug at the frame is marked “840”. The rear face of the cylinder is marked “840” and “476” and the rear of the flutes are marked with a proof. There is a small crossed flag mark on the right side of the frame above the grip. The left side of the grip frame is marked “16840”, “A”, and “E”. The back strap is marked “PRESENTED TO LIEUT A.C. TWEEDY BY THE “MEN OF LONSIGHT” / IN THE LOCOMOTIVE DEPT L & N.W.RAILWAY AS A SMALL TOKEN OF THEIR APPRECIATION / BEFORE EMBARKATION FOR ACTIVE SERVICE IN SOUTH AFRICA. MANCHESTER, MARCH 1901. / EXPERTO CREDE . AU-REVOIR”.
Barrel Length: The barrel is round on the bottom with flat sides and a full length top rib. It is 6” in length.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a tall thin German silver blade fixed to a raised base on the barrel. The rear sight is a “V” notch in the top of the barrel latch.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered black vulcanite on a bird’s head grip frame. There are a few areas of repaired material loss including the top rear of the left and right panel and on the front of the right panel as well. The smooth borders of each panel show nicks and scratches. The checkering shows wear but is generally well defined. The grips are in about Good-Very Good overall condition as repaired and Antique.
Type of Finish: The finish is a bright blue with the hammer, trigger, cylinder cam and cylinder cam lever “In The White”.
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is dim scattered erosion and pitting. The rifling is defined.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 20% of its metal finish. There is surface oxidation all throughout the metal surfaces. There is pitting on many of the leading edges, notably on the barrel. There are nicks and dings throughout the metal. There is thinning at all leading edges. The cylinder shows similar imperfections and has a distinct turnline. The grip straps show a deep, dark patina. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. The markings are all clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Good condition as Antique.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder lockup produces hardly any notable play in single and double action. The barrel locks up tightly with a tiny amount of play. We did not fire this revolver. As with all previously owned firearms a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: There is a lanyard ring on the bottom of the grip frame.
Our Assessment: This revolver has a neat little story behind it. Based on the backstrap marking, this pistol was gifted to a man named A.C. Tweedy, who was one of the royal engineers of the 2nd Royal Cheshire Militia. The regiment was originally raised in Macclesfield on 25 July 1853 to provide additional Army strength during the Crimean War. On 1 July 1881 it was renamed 4th (Militia) Battalion, Cheshire Regiment, as part of the reorganisation of the militia made during the Childers reforms. The battalion was embodied on 22 January 1900 for service during the Second Boer War in South Africa. Issued to the Lieutenant in March of 1901, it is possible that this revolver saw some use in battle during the war. This revolver would make a terrific addition to any Webley collection. Please see our photos and good luck!