item details
NameWebley 'WG' Army Model revolver boxed set screwdriver
ProductionUnknown; manufacturer(s); circa 1900; England
Classificationscrewdrivers
Materialsebony, metal
DimensionsOverall: 21mm (width), 18mm (height), 137mm (length)
Registration NumberGH024781/4
Credit linePurchased 2016
Overview
A .455/476 calibre Webley 'WG' Army Model 6-shot revolver, in original case with accessories ( a glass oil bottle, ebony handled turn screw, brass cleaning rod with ebony knob).
The barrel is inscribed "Presented to Captain R,.J.S. Seddon Commanding Eighth Contingent by His Father's Colleagues in the New Zealand Government 29-1-02".
This revolver was presented to the eldest son of New Zealand's famous Prime Minister, Richard John Seddon, on his departure for the South African (Second Boer) War as Commanding Officer of the Eighth Contigent of volunteers in 1902.
The revolver is an excellent example of the long tradition of presenting fine weapons, usually engraved with the name of the recipient, to prominent soldiers.