Webley's Government (WG) top break revolver was first introduced in 1886 as an improvement of the earlier Webley Kaufmann revolvers. The design evolved rapidly with the W.G. Model 1886, Model 1889, Model 1891, Model 1892, Model 1893, and Model 1896.  In addition, Webley also produced a 6" barreled WG Army Model and a 7½" barreled WG Target Model.

The WG name given to these revolvers was thought by early researchers to stand for Webley Green (E.C. Green being another gunmaker) although this has been shown to be incorrect. Recent research shows the WG represents Webley Government.  Although WG revolvers never saw official government or military use, they were widely purchased as personal sidearms by British officers.

This Webley "WG" Target Model revolver (Serial No. 833) was made about 1895 and features the long 7½" barrel, flared target grips, and adjustable sights. It's chambered for the .455CF cartridge but can also shoot the .450CF cartridge. Both were popular British military and target cartridges at the time.

Webley's WG revolvers could be ordered with a rounded birdshead grip popular with military officers, or with a flared target type grip like this example. The nicely checkered walnut grips on this example have unfortunately suffered chips, probably from being dropped. Being a target revolver in addition to the long barrel and target grips it's also fitted with adjustable rear sights and with a removable front sight.  The front sight fitted is marked 20 YDS.

The left side top strap is marked with "WG" TARGET MODEL and on the barrel with the calibre .450/.455. The barrel rib is marked P. WEBLEY & SON  LONDON & BIRMINGHAM while the lower left frame is marked with a WEBLEY'S PATENT oval stamp alongside the W&S flying bullet trademark. The serial number 8335 is marked on the right frame along with partial serial 335 on the cylinder face. The very bottom of the grip frame is stamped 677. It's unknown what this refers to.

Webley's WG revolvers could be had in either a deep blued finish or with nickel plating which was popular choice for use in hot tropical climates. Grips were initially checkered walnut although later revolvers were fitted with black rubber grips.  Despite its well used appearance, this revolver functions quite well, the cylinder rotates correctly and locks up tightly on firing. The lock work functions correctly in both single and double action and the cylinder extractor functions correctly on opening. The barrel, despite having a few rough spots in the bore, still shows its full rifling.

Further Reading:

The Webley Story, William Chipchase Dowell, Skyrac Press, 1962.

Webley Revolvers, Gordon Bruce & Christian Reinhart, Verlag Stocker-Schmid, 1988.

The Revolver 1889 - 1914, A.W.F. Taylerson, Crown Publishers, 1971.

The English Revolver, George Prescott, Schiffer Publishing, 2014.