Brig. Gen. Sir Robert Gordon Gilmour's Revolver

Posts : 4 Join date : 2019-07-15

I've been caretaker of this fine example of the Pryse pattern revolver for a few years.

It was retailed by J. Rigby and Company 72 St. Jams st. London in February 1879 (no specific date in Feb recorded in Rigby's records) He also purchased a holster at the same time. The holster has been lost to time or moth.

[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]
[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

At some point either He, or someone else had some significant dates and campaigns that he participated in engraved on the revolver's front strap.

[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

My research into the man shows that he was quite an impressive gentleman who had a long and storied military career.

I would love to learn more about him and his military service. I know that in 1887 he published his diary from the "Zulu war" and "Nile campaign" but it seems that the publication was quite limited, and I have been unable to find a copy either for sale, or even to read.

Posts : 232 Join date : 2009-10-16

Brig-Gen Sir Robert Wolrige Gordon 8th of Craigmillar and 13th of Liberton 1st Baronet,b.27 feb 1857- d.24 june 1939 at Liberton. F. Henry Perkins Wolrige + Ann Wolrige Gordon 7th of Esslemont and 18th of Hallhead, Robert married Lady Susan Lygon d of Frederick Lygon 6th Earl Beauchamp on 19th Oct 1889.changed his name on 8 july 1864 to Robert Gordon Wolrige Gordon, and changed again 17th March 1873 to Robert Gordon Gordon Wolrige, served in the 94th Regt during Zulu war, also served Gordon relief 84-85, boer war 1900 receiving a DSO,and WW1, became Colonel of the Grenidier Guards. Created 1st Baronet Gilmour of Criagmillar on 29th July 1926, had 4 Children three daughters and a son Lt-Col Sir John Little Gilmour of Criagmillar 2nd Bt,1899-1977. The present 4th Bt David Robert was b.14 Nov 1952. source Peerage.com

Posts : 232 Join date : 2009-10-16

Robert was Grand Master of Grand Lodge of Scotland 1916-1920, received OBE in 1902. Educated at Eton and Christchurch Oxford. Entered Army in 1878 Grenadier Guards, attached to the 94th during Zulu War, recieved DSO 29 Nov 1900, in London Gazette 27 Sept 1901 No.27359 page 6310. There is a picture in later life on the National Galleries of Scotland website.

Posts : 3203 Join date : 2009-03-03 Location : Devon

https://www.1879zuluwar.com/t934-robert-gordon-wolrige-gordon-2nd-lieutenant-94th

Posts : 271 Join date : 2010-08-13

I have his personal copy of Mac and Shad, his Zulu and Nile Campaign book, and once had his sword with Ulundi engraved on it. I think i have a repo photo of him. Isandula

Posts : 4 Join date : 2019-07-15

Thanks for the Replies!

I had read most of what was on this forum about him.

Isandula, you have a copy of the book he wrote about the Zulu war and Nile Campaign? Would it be forward of me to ask if there was a way to photograph the pages for me? if I'm out of line, I certainly understand. I would just love to read his account.

Posts : 271 Join date : 2010-08-13

Hi TonyM, So sorry I can't do this as I'm afraid I would damage the integrity of this very old publication by stretching it out on the scanner and copying page after page. In 40 years of collecting, it is the only one I have ever run across--so certainly a limited and private publication.

Posts : 4 Join date : 2019-07-15

I certainly understand, and thank you for the consideration.

I've had my eye out for a copy for some time, but as you said, there aren't a lot of them out there.

Posts : 271 Join date : 2010-08-13

Hi TonyM, Sending a few scans of the book, "Journal of Robert G. Wolridge Gordon During the Zulu Campaign of 1879." It was privately printed in leather with gold edges all around. First, Wolridge Gordon's dedication to Mary and signed by him in 1894. Secondly, the title of this section, and thirdly, the first page of the text.
[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]
[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]
[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

Posts : 4 Join date : 2019-07-15

Thank you so much! That's wonderful.

I assume this is the copy that sold at auction a while back? I believe the auction mentioned a dedication to Mary. Sadly I only became aware of it after the auction had ended.

Posts : 2872 Join date : 2010-06-02

That's great Ron. Can we have a picture of the binding please?

Steve

Posts : 271 Join date : 2010-08-13

Thin volume 6 1/2" x 8" leather with gold edges
[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]
[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]
[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

Posts : 2872 Join date : 2010-06-02

Thanks Ron, I do like a nice binding.

Steve

https://www.1879zuluwar.com/t934-robert-gordon-wolrige-gordon-2nd-lieutenant-94th

» Book Auctions
» Robert Adams (1809-1880) Revolver
» Robert Gordon Wolrige-Gordon 2nd Lieutenant 94th
» Robert Gordon Wolrige-Gordon 2nd Lieutenant 94th
» Sir Robert Gordon Gilmour