April 24-25, 2019 Extraordinary, Sporting, & Collector Firearms
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/25/2019
This 1916 dated Webley comes with a letter with direct provenance to Lieutenant Arthur Earl Andrews of the Canadian Infantry 42nd Battalion Royal Highlanders of Canada, more frequently referred to as the Black Watch. Arthur enlisted as a private in September 25th, 1914, and fought during the First World War in England and France. He carried this pistol during this time. He was awarded the military cross for action near Amiens, France, in August of 1918. Where "during an advance, the attack was held up by heavy close range artillery fire from woods on the left. With his platoon, he outflanked the position, rushed it, and killed or captured the whole crew." Letter is notarized and signed by the estate executor of Duncan Andrews, the only child of Lieutenant Arthur Andrews. This pistol has been in storage since his death nearly 60 years ago. Standard military issue Canadian proofed Webley dated 1916 with matching serial numbers on barrel, cylinder, and frame. It is a top-break, six shot, double action revolver with blue finish, black composite grips, and lanyard ring. Very small hand carved initials "AEA" on right grip panel. CONDITION: Revolver is in excellent all original condition, never trimmed and retaining approximately 40-50% of the dull military finish which is blending beautifully into blue and brown patina. Grips are in excellent condition with no chips or cracks. Indexes and locks up perfectly. Near mint rifled bore. Accompanying this gun is a military type flap holster in excellent condition with the usual cracking. Andrew served and survived the entire four years of World War I, an incredible feat in and of itself, and during these four years the Black Watch participated in some of the most infamous battles of the war including the Second Battle of the Somme. A historically significant and documented revolver present for all of World War I.