Halger280HVMag
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- B.C. XMU Local .454
A piece of Canadian History, intermingled with some of my Family History.
This revolver is a Nickeled Colt 1878 Double Action, chambered in .45 Colt.
the serial number confirms that this revolver is 1 of 1000 such revolvers, Purchased by the Government of the Dominion of Canada in 1885.
these arms were destined to be used in the North-West Rebellion.
Further, This is one of these guns returned to the Government Armouries as evidenced by the stamped characters "36 MD" on the left front of the frame.
"Rack #36 Militia Department".
My Great-Uncle preparing to depart to do his bit in WWI, purchased this gun from the Government Armouries. Officers serving in the Army then, were required to purchase their own side-arms.
Upon returning from the front, my Great-Uncle gave his side-arm to his Brother.
His Brother became in time my Grand-Father.
In 1936, upon my Father's graduation from Military College RMC Kingston in 1936.
My Grand-father gave my Father the revolver as a graduation present.
My Father seeing no future in the peace-time army of the time, Obtained a commission In the British Army serving in India. He used the revolver in action until 1938. A broken mainspring put the gun out of commission. My Father then replaced the old warhorse with a Webley MKVI.
The old gun followed my Father home eventually after the end of hostilities in 1945.
In time I became custodian and caretaker of my Father's arms.
I have lately replaced the mainspring, and made some other minor repairs.
#36 MD is once again ready for action.
My Father is depicted in the war bond poster which I use as an avatar.
Leading his regiment ashore at Dieppe. 19th August 1942
It is not for sale.
Only a family emergency situation, would allow me to part with the old Colt.
I shoot it only on very special occasions, with all reverence due to it's age.
?
