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 along with 6" and 7½" barreled WG Target Models.

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. 17560) was made in 1901 and features a 6" barrel, flared target grips and fixed sights. It's chambered for both .450CF and .455CF, both were widely used British military cartridges and popular target cartridges at the time. The revolver was retailed through Army & Navy C.S.L. (Co-Operative Stores Limited) in London. The Army & Navy sales ledger shows it was entered into stock on 7th September 1901 as W.G. Target, plain, 6", fixed sights and sold two weeks later on 21st September 1901 to a Lieutenant Short for £5/10/-  (5 Pound, 10 Shillings).

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 ARMY & NAVY C.S.L.  while the lower left frame is marked with a WEBLEY'S PATENT oval stamp alongside the W&S flying bullet trademark. The serial number 17560 is marked on the right frame. The cylinder appears mismatched as it is stamped 706 rather than the expected 560 being the last three digits of the serial number.

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 like this example were fitted with black rubber grips.  

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.