September 20th 2015 Premier Firearms Sale
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 9/19/2015
Serial No. 13223. Caliber .445/.476. Barrel length is 6 inches. The phrase "If this gun could talk" is often heard by collectors and historians alike. Seldom, if ever, does this aspect of a guns history fully materialize. Every collector knows that a vast majority of military firearms saw service and may have numerous stories to tell, but they have been lost through the ravages of time. This is not the case with this particular revolver. This firearm was once owned and carried in the trenches of the Western Front during the Great War (1914-1918) by Captain G.Z. Pinder. (George Zouch Pinder). The right side of the barrel is engraved Captain G.Z. Pinder 49th Bn C.P.F. This is a W.G. Target model Webley-Government that was extremely popular with British officers due to its reliability and accuracy. It was purchased at the Army and Navy store in Ottowa, Canada and is listed by serial number in the Army and Navy co-op society ledgers. [The order form for the 49th battalion of the C.E.F. (Canadian Expeditionary Forces).] The order form lists officer revolver purchases by serial number. While fighting on the front lines of the Ypres in the Somme, referred to as the battle of Hill 60, Zillebeke, Captain Pinder was shot through the lung. The battle was a slaughterhouse. Included with this revolver are the Doctor's drawn diagram on the bullet wound at entrance, a hand drawn map of the battle, Pinder's trench position when he was shot, the trench positions of the German and Canadian lines, a copy of a newspaper article stating he was shot through the lungs in the battle of Zillebeke, a copy of certificate of his service that lists him as wounded on 4/16/1916 and notation to him as being awarded the Military cross. There is a copy of commendation from King George as well as approximately 100 pages of copies of pertinent information as it relates to Captain Pinder's service and subsequent injury during the great war. The condition; revolver sports 6" barrel, blued finish, top break, double action, six shot, checkered walnut grips with lanyard ring. Left side top strap is stamped "W.G. Target Model". Left side of barrel is stamped 455/476, left side of frame is stamped Webley patents with winged bullet and stamped W.S., has the British broad arrow stamp. Top of barrel is stamped Army and Navy C.S.L. Right side of barrel is engraved Capt. G.Z. Pinder 49TH Wn C.E.F. The gun remains in excellent. original condition. Perfect action and lock up. Mint bore. The barrel and top strap have flaked to a dark grey smooth patina. The cylinder retains approximately 40% original factory blue, blending patina. The frame retains approximately 70% high polish factory blue, starting to turn. The walnut grips are excellent with sharp checkering and some wear. Overall fine original condition throughout but the real value in this firearm is its storied history. Having been in the front line trenches with the documentation of an Officer that was shot "Going over the top" in 1916. It is housed in its original leather flap holster that is stamped on back M. Harvey & Company and Walsall G&M 1914 that remains in excellent condition. All of the pertinent paperwork which includes copies of pictures, maps, drawings, news accounts etc will be included with this revolver. Enough history and information to write a book.