Published and Identified Boer War OVS Webley Army No. 5 Express Revolver

Serial #4217, .450 Webley, 5 1/2" octagon barrel with a fine, bright bore that has mild freckling within the grooves.  This is a very rare, state-purchased revolver, probably bought in very small numbers by the OVS (Orange Free State) prior to 1896, and has the Orange Free State "OVS" brand on both grip panels.  The metal is in rather good shape, with 30-40% of the original blue remaining, mostly on protected areas, and the balance flaked to a mellow plum-brown patina mixing with pewter gray.  Some bright fire bluing can still be seen on the trigger, hammer, and cylinder pin latch, with the balance turned to a freckled gray patina.  The checkered walnut grips are in fine shape, with few handling marks or surface blemishes marring the original oil finish.  The action still locks up tightly, and is fully functional.  The revolver is housed in a period brown leather flap holster with shoulder strap, maker marked, "HAMILTON’S / COLONIAL / SADDLERY" on the cover.  The leather is in very good-near fine condition, with only minor scuffs, and the strap, while flaked throughout, is still supple and fully serviceable.  A previous owner’s name is neatly written in India ink on the body under the cover flap: "J. Harmse" (there are several OVS burghers who served in Boer Commandos by that name).  The name is repeated on the cover, but more faintly, as is a second name, "John Bester."  Bester’s name is underscored with two place names and a service occupation: "Christiana / Ladybrand / Despatch / Rider" (again, there are several Johannes Besters who served in the Boer Commandos, although the anglicized spelling might indicate a subsequent British owner).  A further set of initials is carved into the leather on the back between the two D-rings, "DH."  This very revolver and holster are pictured on pages 268 – 269 of "Carvings From The Veldt – Part Three / Rifle Carvings From The Anglo – Boer War 1899 - 1902" by David C. George (2016).  Unlike the ZAR, the OVS does not seem to have made any official handgun purchases from any particular manufacturer, but rather procured limited numbers of handguns from local or regional retailers.  That said, "OVS" branded Webley New Model Army No. 5 Express revolvers like this one are known, and this example is in fine condition overall.  This is a truly rare Boer War handgun, and would make a fantastic addition to any collection.  Antique