Читать книгу Gun Digest 2011 - Dan Shideler - Страница 18

THE BullDog PACK: Variations of the Breed

BY GORDON BRUCE

Editor’s Note: Last year we presented George Layman’s piece on bulldog revolvers, written primarily from an American perspective. This year we offer yet another piece on Bulldogs, written by our British friend Gordon Bruce.

Since the creation of Webley’s compact little calibre .450 revolver named The British Bull Dog, its basic design has been copied and produced by many other gun manufacturers during the latter part of the nineteenth century.

The name had been registered as an official trade mark in Britain by Henry Webley himself, on behalf of the Birmingham firm, P. Webley & Son, on 12 March 1878. On that occasion, it was claimed to have been in regular use for the revolver since 1873. Webley had specified the title of BULL DOG as two separate words, rather than a single word, or joined by a hyphen. Thereafter, in firearms circles, it has become a generic term for nearly all short-nosed pocket revolvers.

The general styling and construction of the Webley, with its small grip shape, double-action mechanism and swing-out ejector, became the basis for most subsequent designs.

Perhaps the examples that adhered more closely to the original were those produced in Liege, Belgium, a major centre of pistol manufacturing at the time and from where many thousands of the little pistols were constructed for export.

Much of the Belgian handgun production at that period was directed towards the American continent, where the little Webley model had enjoyed considerable success during its initial sales period and so it was not long before Liege manufacturers sought a larger share of the gun trade in that region.

Ever conscious of an expanding market, the Belgians made full use of appropriate titles on their Bull Dog models in order to attract customers. Names such as Western Bull Dog, California Bull Dog, Southern Bull Dog, Texas Bull Dog and Frontier Bull Dog had been devised to give a suitable connotation to the weapons and were soon adopted. These variations on the original Bull Dog title were usually stamped, or sometimes engraved, onto the top strap, in similar manner to that employed on the Webley.

Development of the American West, with all its associated traumas in the face of Indian attacks, saloon bar brawls and general crime, had become a lucrative outlet for gun sales.

General travellers, prospectors, railway men, saloon keepers, bankers and gamblers were all competing for a share of the growing prosperity throughout the region. In such a volatile environment, it was only natural that, sooner or later, serious confrontations would arise and many felt a need to be armed for self protection.

One of the most popular and effective forms of self-defence for those individuals was the handgun, and there had been a general adoption of such weapons as a normal items of personal equipment. Single-shot and double-shot pistols of the more basic Deringer pattern already enjoyed a wide distribution throughout the United States as they were normally of an effective .41-inch calibre and, furthermore, could also be easily concealed about the person. Despite being effective at close quarters, their main disadvantage was that only a single shot could be fired, compared with several rounds from a normal holster revolver. Of course, multi-chambered pistols that were small enough to be carried conveniently in the pocket were then usually of minimum calibre as a concession to lightness.

The original calibre .44 Webley Bull Dog revolver had been designed specifically to overcome this discrepancy in a compact form of self-defence giving several shots of reasonable power.

As its name implied, it was small yet powerful for its size. Possessing a handgun of that calibre and one emanating from such a prominent handgun manufacturer may well have added to a general feeling of security for each purchaser. Attendant to that concept was the knowledge that shots fired from a .44 revolver would certainly have more detrimental affect on any wild animal than those fired from a pistol of lesser power.

SCONTINENTAL VERSIONS

At first, the Belgian gun manufacturers still adhered to the larger calibres and most of the Bull Dogs from Liege were chambered for the .450 cartridge. The construction and quality of these weapons, while perhaps not quite up to the standard of the British product, were perfectly adequate and this, together with the more reasonable purchase price, created a huge demand for Bull Dog models generally amongst the transient American workforce. Prices ranged from as low as $6 to $7, in comparison to a $12 charge for the Webley, thus presenting a serious challenge to the British product.

Bull Dog models imported from Belgium were normally stamped with Liege proofhouse marks, consisting of the letters E L G arranged above a star and contained within an oval, to denote definitive proof. (This mark was valid until the year 1893, when the oval was surmounted by a Crown.) Other marks that may be encountered include the letter R beneath a Crown, indicating a ri fling test, plus other capital letters beneath a star as the bench mark of a particular Inspector.

While the external appearance of the Belgian versions remained fairly similar to the original, items of the lock mechanism and its arrangement were frequently altered by various Liege gun makers. The hammer of the British Webley was raised to a cocked position by an arm pivoted at the rear end of the trigger; a sprung sear then engaged a notch under the hammer to hold it in position until disengaged by the trigger being pulled back. Lock mechanism of the Liege product usually differed from the Webley in having a small, spring-influenced, arm hinged to the front face of the hammer, from where it was engaged by a rearward extension of the trigger. Those examples having a half-cock safety notch, also featured an additional lever positioned beneath the hammer. Others that were provided with a rebound feature had a similar lever to hold the hammer away from the cartridge primer. No spring was provided but the lever had a hook at its rear end, which extended behind the lower rear part of the hammer. When the trigger returned forward after firing, the lower rear surface of the trigger cammed against the upper forward end of the rebound lever, forcing the rear hook to pull the hammer back slightly.

British Bull-Dog: Title is stamped onto top strap and upper flat surface of barrel and is also marked CLEMENT ARMS Co. Weapon has Liege proof marks and was possibly manufactured by Charles Clement at turn of 19th century.

Grip plates are of hard rubber with vine design at upper and lower extremities. Other examples of this type are known to be marked N.Y. ARMS Co., reported to be trade name used by Crescent Firearms Company (1888-1893). Courtesy Homer Ficken.

Perhaps one of the more distinctive features of the Belgian models was an alteration to the frame for providing a more effective hold on the weapon when firing. This appeared on several Bull Dog types, on which a projection was formed at the upper rear of the stock to offer an abutment for the hand when the weapon recoiled at each shot. Another item that varied from the norm was the mainspring, which replaced the standard Webley double-limb component with a single leaf spring held to the inner face of the stock by a single screw. This made installation and removal a fairly simple process and less hazardous for the owner.

Several important Liege gun makers were involved in the manufacture of Bull Dog revolvers and they each employed a different title for their product. Most obvious was an adoption of the original term “British Bull Dog” with the last two words either separated, or joined by a hyphen. On some models, this was stamped onto the top strap, while others had the title engraved by hand at the same location.

A more abrupt title of “The Bull-Dog” was also used as an alternative by Liege gun makers and, in similar fashion, could be either stamped or engraved onto the top strap.

While the use of assorted titles for the Bull Dog models was quite prevalent during the latter part of the nineteenth century, an identification of the manufacturer was seldom applied. On the rare occasions that it took place, there was either a small trade mark of some form, or simply the initial letters of a maker’s name. It had even been common policy for Liege gun makers to register the names of fictitious companies as trademarks for use on their weapons.

The Bull Dog: Five-shot calibre .44 S&W model with italics THE BULL DOG engraved onto top strap. Birmingham proof mark, plus letters J and C stamped on left side of grip frame. Addition at lower front corner of cylinder acts as friction brake. Link at side of ejector swivel is spring with small stud to provide friction on ejector rod. Serial No.520. Courtesy Homer Ficken.

Five-shot Calibre .450 model with THE BULL-DOG stamped onto top surface of top strap. Liege Inspection mark of star above letter D on right-hand side. Stock plates are light brown wood. Initials T and J appear at left side suggest probable Trade Mark of Liege gun maker Joseph Tholet. Note reinforced area on frame for loading gate hinge. Serial No. 12 (Royal Armouries, Leeds).

In an attempt to make the pocket revolver even more compact, the Belgians decided to eliminate the trigger guard entirely and employ a folding trigger. Revolvers of this pattern were produced by Leopold Ancion-Marx, Edouard Schroeder, Henri Sauveur, Auguste Lebeau, Manufacture Liegeoise d’Armes a feu, etc. and offered in a variety of forms under an assortment of titles, one of which was “Belgian Bull Dog.” It was usually equipped with vulcanised stock plates, moulded with an elaborate foliate decoration, or furnished in mother-of-pearl as an optional extra. A thumb-operated safety device could also be provided to secure the hammer.

In March 1890, the firm Manufacture Liegeoise d’Ames a feu had registered a trade mark of the letters ML beneath a Crown, which was sometimes applied at the left side of the frame together with alternative markings on the top strap.

Elaborately decorated versions were popular option offered by many Liege gun makers.

As sales within certain regions of the United States increased, so also did the variety of names for the Bull Dog models as an enticement for those seeking to purchase a revolver. Amongst the first to appear in this category was the title of “California Bull Dog” on a revolver chambered for the calibre .44 Webley and .44 Bull Dog cartridges but which would also accept .44 S&W or even the .44 Russian rounds.

This model was quite distinctive in having fancy black rubber stock plates with moulded neo-classical head (sometimes referred to as Thunder God), accompanied by branch and leaf decoration. Stock plates of this pattern were widely adopted by Liege gun makers and have been observed on various other Bull Dog style revolvers, notably on those produced by Joseph Tholet, who operated in Liege between the years 1886 and 1900, producing pocket models of the bull dog type.

The California model was also sold marked “Texas Bull-Dog” and remained virtually identical although, in contrast to the standard form, its title was sometimes applied to the right-hand side of the frame, rather than appearing on the top strap.

Distribution of both types was fairly widespread throughout the United States. On the Western coast, the Texas version retailed in San Francisco by the firm of Shreve & Wolf, who were in partnership from 1881 until 1886. Revolvers of that same pattern were also advertised in the 1886 catalogue of John Moore’s Sons at the Eastern side of America in New York City. The version offered on that occasion was nickel-plated in .44 calibre and could be purchased at just $6.65 with either 3.5-inch or 4.5-inch barrel.

Both the CALIFORNIA and TEXAS titles were registered as official Trade Marks on 7 July 1881 by the Belgian gun maker, Pierre Deprez, who was a descendant from one of the oldest established gun-making families of Wandre, then a small town about ten kilometres from Liege itself.

California Bull-dog: Calibre .44 five-shot model marked CALIFORNIA BULL-DOG on top strap. Barrel length on this model is 2.75-inches and weapon is nickel-plated. Courtesy Homer Ficken.

Texas Bull Dog: Calibre .44 five-shot model engraved with TEXAS BULL DOG at right side of frame. Barrel length on this model is 3.5- inches and weapon is nickel-plated. This version was sometimes marked as WESTERN STAR. Courtesy Homer Ficken.

An equally suitable title for the Texas market was STAR, a word which had been registered as a Belgian trade mark by Liege gun maker, Louis Muller, in 1889. (Whether or not he was ever involved with the manufacture of the Star Bull Dog model is still unresolved.) However, that particular version had certainly been produced by Neumann Brothers of rue Saint-Remy, Liege, where the firm had been in the business of gun making since 1863. Examples from that source carried the symbol of a hunting horn combined with the initial N, a trade mark registered by Neumann on 30 December 1893.

Star Bull Dog: Calibre .44. model with 2.5-inch octagonal barrel and title stamped onto top strap. Also marked with star emblem on left side of frame and at bottom of stock plate. Serial No.646. Courtesy Homer Ficken.

That particular version differed from the usual Belgian models in having an octagonal section barrel and was without the Liege style of lock work incorporating a hammer rebound action.

Although the names of those American states may have been used to good effect in broadening the appeal of Bull Dog models amongst Californians and Texans, other titles were introduced to widen the field of interest even further. In fact, whole regions were incorporated into the names stamped onto weapons which were often virtually indistinguishable from their contemporaries.

The version marked Western Bull-Dog continued to feature a recoil abutment at the rear of the stock that had been introduced on the earliest types. Some examples also had a prominent raised boss on the left side of the frame to strengthen the loading gate pivot area. Without that rectangular support, the drilling for the gate screw was very close to the outer surface of the frame and a possible source of fracture.

Most specimens in this category were marked with pre-1893 Liege proof marks, although few calibre .44 versions had any positive identification of their manufacture. Amongst the notable exceptions were weapons with the initials L & T contained within a small rectangle, representing the Liege gun makers, Lambin and Theate. That particular firm had developed from the original business of Leon Lambin and which had made various firearms between the years 1877 and 1894. There has been no other identification found on “Western Bull-Dog” models to confirm manufacturer. Most examples continue to display the usual Belgian proof marks, although some may also be found with Birmingham proofs.

Other versions that were marked SOUTHERN BULL DOG followed the Webley design more closely in having the sear extending through into the trigger guard area and were without any provision for hammer rebound. It was otherwise typical of the Belgian production.

Both the “Western” and “Southern” versions were produced by various Liege gun makers, none of whom had made an official registration for either of the two names used for these specific Bull Dog revolvers. (It might be relevant to note that Joseph Janssen of rue Saint-Laurent, Liege, had registered Trade Marks for the Southern Arms Company and also for the Western Guns Manufacturing Company during October 1893).

Perhaps the most bizarre adoption of the term Bull Dog could apply to a large Belgian-made revolver with a 5.375-inch barrel. This version was advertised by the Boston firm of Turner & Ross in 1883 under the title of FRONTIER BULLDOG and priced at $8. The generous size of this weapon did not necessarily merit its inclusion within the Bull Dog category, although the full title was indeed stamped upon the flat surface of the top strap. Initial production types had no sighting groove, since a raised sight notch had been provided at the rear. It was, of course, much larger in appearance than the average models, being almost a copy of the Webley Royal Irish Constabulary model firing a calibre .44-40 CF Winchester cartridge. This was clearly a big advantage to those already owning a .44 Winchester Rifle, as it enabled them to use just one type of ammunition for both weapons, thus making the revolver a very desirable addition for the trade in the American west.

Frontier models also differed in having a cylinder capacity of six rounds rather than five and, in common with other Liege versions, the lockwork featured a rebounding action.

Southern Bull Dog: Virtual copy of Webley model but with different title stamped onto top strap. Walnut stock plates cut with chequered pattern.

Considerable emphasis had been placed on the shape and finish applied to the stock, which was usually of hard rubber with a moulded decoration and was claimed to give an exceptionally firm grip when shooting. Earliest models were also provided with a finger support on the trigger guard to give even more improvement, although this was soon eliminated on later models.

Most examples incorporated a usual sighting groove on the top strap with the title arranged on either side. In some instances, these were also provided with a military-style lanyard ring.

An indication of manufacturer does not normally appear on the weapon in any form and Frontier models appear to have been produced in Liege by several different gun makers. In general construction and appearance it was the same as calibre 44-40 revolvers marked FRONTIER ARMY.

Use of the word “Frontier” was most appropriate, as the weapon was certainly destined for markets throughout the frontier regions of the United States. It was a title first used in identifying the Colt .44-40 single-action revolver of 1875.

The 1892 catalogue of the New York firm of Schoverling, Daly & Gales advertised an improved version which was also similar to the final pattern of Webley R.I.C. revolver. The new model differed in having a fluted cylinder and lanyard ring attachment but otherwise remained much the same as its predecessor.

While not totally conclusive, there is some evidence that revolvers of this type were imported by the New York agency from the Belgian arms manufacturer Jules Pire & Company of Antwerp. That firm was established in 1885 to produce weapons of all types, including several revolver models. The son of Jules Pire later became a manager with Schoverling, Daly & Gales and was responsible for the distribution of Belgian guns throughout the United States.

In 1895, the catalogue of Montgomery Ward & Company, a nationwide retail and mail-order business, listed the Frontier Bull Dog at $3.85, a price which then compared very favourably with that of a Colt single action Frontier model at $16. By that time, of course, solid frame revolvers had become rather outdated due to the introduction of hinge-frame, self-extracting models at very similar prices. Many of these revolvers with the alternative title of FRONTIER ARMY, although similar in design to the Bull Dog versions, were still being offered by U.S. mail-order houses in 1900.

In addition to the Frontier model, the Boston company of Turner & Ross also offered “The New British Bull Dog” model as a 5-shot model in .44 centre fire. It was rather ominously described as “The revolver with which Guiteau assassinated the President,” a clear reference to the shooting of President James A. Garfield on 2 July, 1881, by Charles Guiteau. In a slightly less ominous promotion, the pistol was otherwise recommended for express messengers, mail clerks, bankers, watchmen, miners and even members of the police force.

Revolvers of this pattern were first produced in Belgium during the early 1880s by Neumann Brothers, who had also been responsible for manufacture of the Star Bull Dog.

Finished in nickel plating and with hard rubber stock plates, this model was priced at $7 in the Turner & Ross catalogue of 1883 and appeared later in the 1884 catalogue of Meacham Arms Company. At that period, barrels could be obtained in either round or octagonal section.

While the general style remained typical of other Bull Dog revolvers, it was distinctive in having a raised portion of the frame at the upper rear area of the stock. Moulded within a circular border at the top end of each stock plate, was the head of a bull dog, while the remaining surface was finely chequered and bordered. A title of NEW BRITISH BULL DOG was stamped onto the top strap and further identified by a hunting horn symbol applied at the forward left side of the frame. At the centre of the horn was the initial N. Both the Bull Dog face and horn symbol were inaugurated as Belgian trade marks on 30 December, 1893, although it had clearly been used several years previously.

New British Bull Dog: Manufactured in Liege by Neumann Brothers, New British Bulldog in calibre .44 was popular sidearm throughout American West.

In their 1883 catalogue, Turner & Ross offered the New British Bull Dog in the following variations:

• Calibre .44 with round or octagonal barrel, rubber stock and full nickel plating, for $7

• Calibre .44 with octagonal barrel and chequered ebony stock, for $6 (The same model was also offered in calibre .38 as the imported “American” Bulldog at $7.)

Typical example with THE BRITISH BULL DOG on top strap and with initials of Southern Pacific Rail Road Company on barrel flat, plus weapon number 87. Courtesy Homer Ficken.

The English Bull Dog: Calibre .450 five-shot Lieg model of The English Bull Dog retailed in England by Mitchell &Company of Manchester.

The Ulster Bull Dog: Calibre .450 five-shot example of THE ULSTER BULL DOG produced by James Braddell &Son of Belfast. Brazing additional butt onto standard Webley model produced more comfortable grip when weapon was fired. Serial No. 5039. Courtesy W.C.Dowell.

Example with ratchet cylinder probably manufactured in Liege. London proof marks and retailed by J. Braddell & Son, Belfast. Models in similar style to this and within same serial range were also produced by P. Webley & Son. Serial No. 20503. Courtesy Imperial War Museum, London.

• Calibre .32, .38, or .44 with che-quered walnut stock, round barrel and plain cylinder, for $5.

It was also stated that, in recent times, many hundreds of these models had been sold throughout the western regions to places such as Deadwood, Cheyenne and Virginia City.

Included amongst all the other Bull Dog titles, with their deliberate inclination toward the American market, was a usage by Belgian gun makers of the full phrase stamped on the original Webley model, THE BRITISH BULL DOG. (As well as being a British trade mark, it had also been registered in Belgium by the firm P. Webley & Son in May 1881).

At this point, it is worth noting that the Webley firm had resorted to having some of their Bull Dog revolvers made by others in order to cope with an increasing demand from abroad. These were duly returned to the Birmingham for finishing and to receive a British proof mark. However, it had been customary for the Webley firm to identify their products with the “Flying Bullet” symbol in addition to the title stamping and so it may have been an infringement of the Webley Trade Mark registration for the Belgian models to be marked in that way .

In any event, adoption of that title was obviously put to good effect in boosting sales within the United States, where the Webley model had already been acclaimed as “the famous and much celebrated Bull Dog.”

It is known that models in this category were acquired by the Southern Pacific Rail Road Company to be carried by some of their employees. Origins of that company can be traced back to 1868, when it operated from San Francisco through New Mexico to New Orleans, establishing many “way stations” as it traversed the Western states of America. Revolvers were issued to various agents and also acquired by foremen of maintenance crews working in the more remote areas. Examples have been identified with the mark of Societe Dumoulin Freres, which had operated in Liege since 1877 and later in association with gun makers Albert Simonis and Joseph Janssen.

Examples marked with an alternative title of “English” Bull Dog were also of Liege origin and used much the same casting as those marked “British” or others marked “Western.”

Application of the new name was made in three different forms: one stamped with capital letters as THE ENGLISH BULL DOG on the top strap; another engraved in serif italic lettering simply as ENGLISH BULLDOG (two words) on the top strap; a third with serif lettering in a single line on the top strap as ENGLISH BULL DOG (three words). The latter version was chambered for a calibre .44 cartridge and featured a fluted cylinder and octagonal barrel section.

At various times, the firm of P. Webley & Son had supplied limited quantities of revolvers to other manufacturers in Britain, or to retailers who simply added their own name to the weapon without necessarily claiming its manufacture. In such instances, it was not an easy matter to distinguish exactly which maker may have been responsible for any particular weapon, even one bearing another trade mark. This was compounded by such an in flux of Bull Dog style revolvers from Belgium, where manufacture in the multitude of Liege workshops had been prolific.

A typical example occurred with a version that incorporated all the regular features of the Webley pattern, plus one distinctive addition, yet failed to display a positive mark of its manufacture.

One of the main criticisms of Bull Dog models had been the lack of a firm hold when shooting, due to the small size of its grip frame. This was overcome to a large extent on the introduction of the American versions, which were constructed with bigger frames but it became most noticeable on a variety produced to special order by the Irish gun makers, Joseph Braddell & Son of Belfast. These weapons were altered by having an extension brazed onto the butt, leaving the original grip frame intact to provide a fulcrum for the mainspring. The brazing took place at the front and rear straps. It was an addition that increased the handle length by a further inch (25mm) and certainly produced a much improved hold when firing, although in doing so, it sacrificed much of its “pocketable” qualities. Examples have been observed with foliate engraving at the rear strap as an attempt to cover any visible joint in that area.

Models in this category are not only identified by their much longer handle but also by a title of THE ULSTER BULL DOG engraved onto the top strap. It is not absolutely clear if this extension was added at the Webley factory or the work undertaken by Braddell, who certainly had the facilities to do so. In all probability, it was indeed the latter. Company literature claimed no fewer than five workshops at the Braddell establishment in Castle Place, Belfast, employing up to 20 men engaged in the production of revolvers, rifles, shotguns and assorted sports equipment.

At certain occasions in its own production series, the Webley factory also introduced models with slightly longer grips, although not so long as those on the “Ulster.” An extension of approximately half an inch was added by the Birmingham firm, who were obviously conscious of a niche in the market to be exploited with that alternative to their normal version.

It is significant to note that not all models marked THE ULSTER BULL DOG featured the longer grip and so it did not become a standard pattern from that source. In addition to those with plain cylinders, there were also examples with ratchet cylinder stops and even some with a smaller grip size. Unlike those known to have been produced in Belgium, the “Ulster” versions adhered more closely to the regular Webley format in having exactly the same lockwork with trigger-operated sear. Some difference did occur with the barrel ri fling, however, which had been reduced from nine grooves to just five wide grooves and narrow lands.

The next model to be produced in Europe was certainly the oddest of Bull Dog designs, featuring a frame that hinged upward in front of trigger guard to eject and reload. It is reputed to have been based upon a design patented by the Birmingham gun maker, William James Hill (1860-1897), although no patent has been located under that name.

A slight mystery also surrounds the use of the name Stanley. In fact, the Stanley Arms Company was a trade name used by Dumoulin Freres, Liege (1877 - 1894), where manufacture of this particular model may have taken place. The same hinged frame design also appears on other continental revolvers.

Earliest examples were marked Hill’s Patent Self extracting “BULL DOG” on one side of the barrel, while later models displayed just “THE STANLEY” BULL DOG at the same location. These versions all bear the trade mark of William J. Hill, depicting a winged hourglass beneath the entwined initials WJH, applied at the left-hand side of the frame behind the cylinder. This mark had been officially registered by Hill in 1880. Weapons of this type were available in calibres ranging from .320, .380, .442 to .450, although not all were necessarily identified as Bull Dogs.

Single-shot and double-shot pistols of the more basic Deringer pattern had enjoyed a wide distribution amongst travellers, frontiersmen, miners and gamblers throughout the United States during the period of its formation. Small pocket pistols of this pattern had been produced by the Colt company since 1870 and had become highly popular, due to their combination of compact design with a large calibre bullet. As a weapon for personal defence, they were reasonably effective at close quarters but not accurate over any greater distance.

In England, the Webley company had recognised the value of such a weapon and even produced similar examples prior to its introduction of the Bull Dog types. While the first Bull Dog revolvers held more cartridges than the Deringer pistols, they were still only chambered for rounds of a similar calibre. Subsequent versions were made for the calibre .450-inch centre fire rounds, giving a slightly more hefty punch for use in awkward situations. However, for those individuals demanding the maximum effect, it inevitably became possible to obtain the same weapon with a heavier and more powerful round. Although those versions were of much the same size and design, they were considerably heavier, adding approximately a further seven ounces to the average weight.

Weapons in this category were identified with the appropriate title BEHEMOTH BULLDOG, the two words separated in typical fashion by the sighting groove on the top strap. Because of its unusual calibre, comparatively few of these models were manufactured. The use of much smaller calibres had gradually became more prevalent for other Bull Dog models, which could be purchased in .38, .32 or even .22 rim-fire calibre.

In Britain, revolvers of the standard Bull Dog pattern, while not marked with a specific Bull Dog title, were also being produced in small quantities by various English gun makers, including Charles Pryse, David Bentley, Thomas Bland and others, the majority of whom followed the same pattern already established by Webley. Of these individuals, it was actually the Birmingham gunmaker David Bentley who chose to add another specific Bull Dog title to his particular model.

Nickel-plated presentation model awarded to John Brewster, City of Derry Rifle Club, in 1875. Serial No. 53927. Courtesy Frank Michaels.

The Stanley Bull Dog: Five-shot calibre .45 model marked “THE STANLEY” BULL DOG at left side of barrel. Depressing lever under front of frame allows barrel to hinge back until curved arm is operated to eject all cartridges simultaneously. Serial No. 371. Courtesy Reg Milson.

Behemoth Bulldog: Calibre .50 five-shot model with title stamped onto top strap. Cylinder on this model measures 1.75-inches in diameter and barrel is slightly longer than usual at 2.75-inches. Barrel ri fling is just four grooves with right-hand twist.

Tower Bull Dog: Calibre .450 five-shot model of THE TOWER BULL DOG. Produced by David Bentley and retailed by Thomas Turner of Birmingham, England (1834-1890). Serial No. 222. Courtesy W.C. Dowell. Thomas Turner was a gun maker in his own right and also had his own trade mark since the year 1876.

Calibre .32 six-shot solid frame revolver by Forehand & Wadsworth. BULL DOG title is stamped onto top strap, while patent dates of 1861 and 1871 appear on left side of barrel. This example is fitted with ebony grip plates and has patented ejector system held by catch underneath cylinder spindle.

Forehand &Wadsworth Bull Dog Revolvers: Upper: Calibre .32 six-shot BULL DOG revolver. Lower: Calibre .38 five-shot version with modified cylinder spindle. BULL DOG title appears on top strap, plus patent dates of 1861, 1871 and 1875 at other side of barrel.

BRITISH BULL-DOG: Calibre .450 five-shot model by Forehand & Wadsworth with swivel ejector and rebounding hammer. This version is nickel plated and has ivory stock plates. Courtesy David B. Smith.

Indian Bull-dog: Calibre .44 five-shot INDIAN BULLDOG model by Forehand & Wadsworth was virtually identical to “British Bull-Dog” model made by same company.

Arranged at either side of the sighting groove on the top strap was a new name, THE TOWER BULL DOG, engraved in backward-sloping letters, while his “London Tower” trade mark was applied at the left side of the frame. This has been officially registered by Bentley on 28 April 1876 but was later acquired for renewal by the Webley company in 1890.

His version was distinctive in having a portion of the frame extended rearwards to form a sharp angle with the grip, thus presenting an improved hold when the weapon was fired. A different style of grip plates was also featured, with each hardwood plate being mortised to fit under the upper end of the frame opening and retained by a single screw and clip at the butt, rather than with the usual screw at the centre.

Bentley had manufactured revolvers at his Aston works between the years 1871 and 1883, by which time, revolvers of his Bull Dog pattern retailed in Britain at a price of fourty-two shillings each. Registration of the “Tower” trade mark was renewed by the Webley firm in 1918 and again in 1932.

AMERICAN VERSIONS

The earliest type of revolver manufactured in the United States to bear the words BULL DOG is represented by a little six-shot model with spur trigger produced by Forehand & Wadsworth of Worcester, Massachusetts. It was not of the Webley pattern but followed the same style as the Colt New Line series of 1872 with two patented features incorporated. The first was for a method enabling the cylinder stop to be operated by the trigger and had been patented by Ethan Allen in 1861 (U.S. Patent 33509), while the second was for a convenient means of housing a removable ejector rod inside the cylinder spindle, where both were retained by a spring catch at the front of the frame. In essence, it allowed the revolver to be emptied and loaded without the inconvenience of having to remove the cylinder. That particular arrangement was patented by Sullivan Forehand and Henry C. Wadsworth in 1871 (U.S. Patent 116 422). References to both patents were stamped onto the left-hand side of the barrel.

A second version of the spur trigger Bulldog dispensed with the removable ejection rod feature but otherwise remained much the same in general appearance. The only difference was the addition of a third patent date at the left-hand side of the barrel referring to a hammer rebound feature, although this was not incorporated onto that particular weapon. The additional design featured a mechanism to remove the hammer nose from contact with the cartridge primer while the cylinder remained held by the stop lever, an arrangement patented by Messrs. Forehand & Wadsworth in 1875 (U.S. Patent 162 162).

Forehand & Wadsworth were also the first to produce an American duplicate of the original British model with a swivel ejector, although it differed slightly in having a “saw-handle” grip as opposed to the usual “parrot beak” shape and was provided with a fluted cylinder in place of the initial plain variety. These were almost indistinguishable from other European versions and bore the marking BRITISH BULL-DOG on the top strap, plus a manufacturer identification on the upper surface of the barrel. (For some reason, the Bull Dog name used previously on the spur trigger models had now become hyphenated). An improvement had also been added to the lock mechanism to permit a rebound of the hammer after firing, in order to prevent it from making contact with the cartridge primer.

It has been reported that introduction of the American-made version occurred during the late 1870s, when it was available in three sizes: a seven-shot .32 model, a six-shot .38 S&W model and a five-shot model for the .44 Webley cartridge. Of those three calibres, the latter appears to have been the most popular.

Revolvers of that pattern were advertised by the manufacturers Forehand &Wadsworth in their catalogue of c. 1880. They were eventually listed by the San Francisco gun dealers N. Curry & Brother in 1884 and also appeared in a catalogue of that same year by E.C. Meacham, St. Louis. In order to distinguish the American model from others, it was claimed that only genuine examples were marked with the Forehand & Wadsworth trade mark (depicting the head of a Bulldog stamped onto the left side of the frame). However, not all examples were marked thus, as some were without the trade mark but displayed the company name on the barrel flat and so it seems that mainly the earliest examples had the “dog’s head” stamp.

Grip plates were normally of hard rubber cut with an overall chequered pattern and shaped to suit an additional lump at the top of the grip.

The F&W British Bull-Dog appeared in the 1886 catalogues of New York gun dealers G. W. Caflin and John P. Moore‘s Sons and continued to be offered in the J. H. Johnston gun lists of 1888.

Due to the increasing popularity of hinged frame self-extracting models on the American market, most solid frame revolvers had become somewhat outdated and, as a result, prices for the little Bull Dog were being seriously reduced. In the 1889 catalogue of Folsom, it was offered at just $2.77. Despite this, Clabrough & Golcher of San Francisco continued to list the Forehand & Wadsworth British Bull-Dog in 1890, while J. H. Johnston also listed it in their 1895 catalogue.

Forehand & Wadsworth’s Firearms Manufactory continued in operation at Worcester until 1890, when Henry Wadsworth retired from the partnership and the business was reformed as the Forehand Arms Company. Concurrent with manufacture of the BRITISH BULLDOG, a similar type of revolver was produced by Forehand & Wadsworth during the 1880s and marked with the alternative title of INDIAN BULLDOG. (Note: This time the latter name was without hyphen.) Both these American models followed much the same con-figuration as those made in Belgium by Joseph Tholet.

Those revolvers that departed most radically from the original Bull Dog concept were undoubtedly the models manufactured in the United States with the purpose of introducing a more patriotic version for the domestic market.

Early entrants to the scene with a revised design were the gunmakers Iver Johnson & Martin Bye of Worcester, Massachusetts, where the first American version was produced. It differed mainly from its British counterpart in not being provided with a swivel case ejector but, instead, having a quickly removable cylinder to make ejection and loading more convenient. A large-diameter extension of the cylinder spindle had been cross-knurled for this purpose. The method used was virtually identical to that employed on the earlier spur trigger model and most other American pocket revolvers at that time.

A further change also occurred in the lock mechanism with an elimination of the Webley double-limb mainspring and its replacement by a single-leaf component. In other respects, the double-action lock arrangement was much the same as on the Webley Bull Dog with the exception of pins, rather than screws, being used for the trigger and sear pivots. The latter item also served to retain the trigger guard. Although the guard itself still remained as a separate unit from the frame, it had been extended to form the front grip strap and was held at its base to the butt. Stock plates were of hardened rubber with a chequered pattern.

Manufactured versions had the title BRITISH BULLDOG stamped onto the top strap, which did not have a sighting groove but was provided with a small recess at the rear for the hammer rest. Lettering in this instance was quite small and positioned centrally, reading from muzzle to breech.

The weapon was available in either .44 Webley or .38 S&W calibre, the larger version being the only one provided with a hinged loading gate behind the cylinder at the right-hand side of the frame. In calibre .38 it had a 2.5-inch barrel and weighed 16 ounces, while in calibre .44 it featured a 2.75-inch barrel and was three ounces heavier.

According to official sources, production was apparently quite brief, beginning in 1881 and terminating just over one year later, when the original partnership with Martin Bye was dissolved and the Iver Johnson Arms Company formed. As a consequence, serial numbers are reported to have reached no more than five digits.

Under a somewhat incongruous heading of American “British Bull-Dog,” the weapon was still being advertised for sale in the 1884 catalogue of E. C. Meacham, St. Louis, Missouri. It was then available in nickel plated finish and either calibre could be purchased for $3 each. By that time, the Iver Johnson company had commenced manufacture of an improved model with the more acceptable title of AMERICAN BULL-DOG.

While still retaining the same basic features of the British Bull-Dog, subsequent American models employed an extended frame section at the rear to give improved handing qualities. A change in the grip contour also introduced a new style of grip plate moulded in hard rubber with a symbolic American eagle design. Standard finish was nickel-plating.

There has been some reports of early production examples of this pattern fitted with wooden grip plates and marked as BRITISH BULL-DOG. The 1882 catalogue of Philadelphia gun dealer Joseph C. Grubb & Company quoted the American Bulldog in six calibres ranging from .22 short rimfire to .44 Webley centre fire and prices from $8 to $10.

American British Bull-dog: Calibre .44 Centre-fire, five-shot model manufactured by Johnson and Bye Gunsmiths. BRITISH BULLDOG is stamped onto top strap. Barrel measures 2.5 inches but this example has no rifling grooves, only supplementary rifling notches at muzzle. Courtesy Homer Ficken.

American Bull-Dog: Calibre .44 five-shot First Model made by Iver Johnson Arms Company with Bull Dog title stamped on top strap. Lock mechanism remained similar to previous version made by Johnson & Bye.

Cylinder spindle is held to front of frame by its own spring catch. Note: Subsequent variation of First Model American Bull Dog was also available with octagonal barrel section.

American Bull Dog: Calibre .44 five-shot Second Model by Iver Johnson with title stamped onto barrel flat. Note smoother frame contour, plus changes to cylinder spindle and stock plates.

American Bull Dog with extra-long barrel. Examples of this type were sometimes marked as ARMY BULL DOG.

Boston Bull-Dog: Calibre .38 six-shot model of BOSTON BULL-DOG manufactured by Iver Johnson as lightweight version of American Bull Dog. Serial No. 7028. Courtesy William Goforth.

Boston Bull-Dog versions were not fitted with hinged loading gate and catridges were simply guided through shielded groove in frame.

XL Bull Dog: Representative example of XL model in Calibre .32 Rim Fire with 3-inch barrel and hardened rubber stock plates as standard. Note lever at forward side of frame to release cylinder spindle.

A second pattern of the American Bull Dog emerged in 1884 with a slightly Modified frame contour, which had been smoothed to a more rounded shape at the rear. Stock plates were finely chequered and incorporated the moulded head of a bull dog at the point of attachment, while the front grip strap was altered to be formed as an integral part of the frame, rather than being an extension of the trigger guard. Other than a slight restyling of certain components, the lock assembly remained almost unchanged.

As manufacture progressed, certain minor changes began to be introduced. Extending from the front of the frame, a noticeable reduction had been made to the diameter of the cylinder spindle, which was given a series of small knurled sections and a change had also been made to the spindle locking lever.

In conjunction with the alterations, it had also been decided to introduce an alternative barrel of an octagonal section. This appeared initially on somewhat bizarre large frame calibre .44 models fitted with a six-inch barrel, half of which was octagonal, while the remainder was round. Weapons of this type were stamped with AMERICAN BULL DOG, the words arranged at either side of the sighting groove on the top strap. They continued to feature hardened rubber stock plates moulded with an American Eagle design and also retained the standard finish in nickel-plating.

Manufacture of all versions except those of calibre .38 had ceased before the turn of the century, although sales continued in retail stores throughout America for several years thereafter.

Also in this series were examples marked BOSTON BULL-DOG on the barrel flat. This version was virtually identical to the Iver Johnson Second Model of American Bull Dog, except for the name and different style of stock plates, which had an “I J” monogram moulded around the stock screw in place of the dog’s head. Intended as a lighter weapon, it was only made for the smaller calibres .22, .32 and .38, each of which had a different frame size.

Arrangement of the lockwork components remained much the same as on the American Bull Dog and continued to be without any means for rebounding the hammer. The system on both Bull Dog models relied upon the shooter engaging the hammer in a safety notch, which held it well back from the cartridge.

Production appears to have been between the years 1887 and 1899, although it was not listed in the catalogues of the principle Iver Johnson retailer, J. P. Lovell of Boston, until after 1890.

An illustration of the model subsequently appeared in the 1895 catalogue of Hartley & Graham, New York, and could be obtained in a variety of calibres ranging from .22 rim fire to .38 centre fire advertised at a mere $2.25. Various options of finish, such as Ivory stock plates, Pearl stock plates, or engraving, were also available.

Among the many different handguns produced by the well-established firm of Hopkins & Allen in Norwich, Connecticut, was yet another version of the Bull Dog variety, this time marked as the XL BULLDOG. General styling of the new model closely followed the same pattern that had been set previously by the Iver Johnson Arms Company. In typical fashion, the pivoting ejector had been omitted, allowing the cylinder to be removed for reloading, although in this case it was released by operating a large lever at the left side of the frame. It was an extremely well-made weapon whose title was included with other wording arranged on the top strap at either side of the sighting groove: HOPKINS &ALLEN MFG Co. Pat. MARCH 28 1871 at one side and XL. BULL DOG 32 CAL. RIM FIRE on the other. The patent referred to U.S. No.113053, which was obtained by Samuel Hopkins and had included a method of retaining the cylinder axis.

That same arrangement was actually employed on several other revolver models produced by that firm.

The XL version of the species enjoyed sales throughout the eastern states of America during the final years of the nineteenth century. An 1880 catalogue of Merwin, Hulbert & Company in New York advertised the XL Bulldog as “made by Hopkins & Allen” and in later years the same firm continued to list it in four versions. Six-shot models were available in calibre .32 Rim Fire and .32 Central Fire, while five-shot versions were offered in calibre .38 Central Fire. All were fitted with 3-inch octagonal section barrels, while the latter model was also offered with a five-inch barrel. Stock plates were available in hard rubber, ivory and pearl, or even in a wide variety of exotic stone. (A calibre .44 version had been listed by G. W. Claflin of New York in 1886, although that type seems to be rare.) The May 1887 catalogue of Merwin, Hulbert & Co. at 28 West 23rd street, New York City, continued to include the XL Bulldog as one of six other solid frame revolvers, each with the prefix “XL.”

Another notable American gun maker, Harrington & Richardson, had also decided to add a Bull Dog model to their series of double-action revolvers by the year 1887. It was introduced in two versions, a six-shot calibre .32 rimfire and a five-shot calibre .38 rimfire, as virtual copies of the Iver Johnson model.

The H&R company had been in business producing various firearms since 1875 at their factory premises in Worcester, Massachusetts and were most prominent in the manufacture of hinged frame revolvers. The Bull Dog series was simply a variation of the H&R American Double Action revolvers that the company had produced in previous years.

Despite its strong similarity to the Second Model American Bull Dog, there were certain minor alterations that made the new version more identifiable. Barrels were still provided in both round and octagonal section but all were fitted with half-round foresights in place of an angular form. Vulcanised rubber stock plates were chequered and moulded with decorated patterns at top and bottom in a design unique to Harrington & Richardson. Of course, chequered wooden stock plates could still be obtained as an optional extra.

Stamped onto the top strap and separated by the sighting groove were the words, THE H.&.R. and BULL DOG, reading from barrel-to-breech. At the rear of the top strap, a T-shaped recess had been cut to receive the hammer. The trigger guard also followed the second type American Bull Dog in being separate from the frame and held by a pin at each end. There was no hinged loading gate at the right-hand side and the H&R models simply had a channel cut from the frame with part of the recoil shield removed to aid in chambering cartridges. However, a loading gate was available as an optional extra for all models and could be fitted if required. At the opposite side of the weapon, a flatter recoil shield replaced the more substantial Iver Johnson form. Otherwise, there was very little difference between the two versions.

A weapon similar to the H&R Bull Dog but with a barrel length of two inches was advertised in the 1899 catalogue of Harrington & Richardson Arms Company with the title YOUNG AMERICA BULL DOG and continued to be listed alongside the H&R Bull Dog.

These early weapons were clearly intended for black powder cartridges and so Second Models of the two named versions were introduced in 1905 to cope with more modern smokeless powder charges. Serial numbering of both patterns occupied the same range as certain other revolvers produced at the same factory with each number being applied at the bottom of the butt strap, or at the left side of the frame beneath the stock plate. By 1923, after 36 years of production, the rimfire versions had been discontinued.

LATEST ADDITION TO THE BULL DOG PACK

While the Bull Dog term has become part of the gun vocabulary, it is seldom applied to modern handguns, the majority of which are now of a semiautomatic type. An exception exists in a new version recently produced by the Charter Arms Corporation of Stratford, Connecticut. Named as the BULLDOG PUG, it differs from the more usual form in featuring a swing-out cylinder released by movement of a sliding catch at the left-hand side. Although still a relatively small weapon, a large single-piece wooden or rubber stock surrounds the grip frame to ensure a good firm hold on the weapon when fired. This calibre .44 Special model is acknowledged to have the highest power-to-weight ratio of any similar-sized pocket revolver. At a weight of only 20 ounces and with a barrel of 2.5 inches it falls well within the standard “Bull Dog” range.

The H&R Bull Dog: Calibre .32 six-shot model produced by Harrington &Richardson. Note absence of hinged loading gate from behind cylinder and use of pins to hold trigger guard.

Young America Bull Dog: Calibre .38 Rimfire five-shot model with two-inch barrel. YOUNG AMERICA BULL DOG is stamped on top strap while full address of Harrington &Richardson Arms Company appears on left side of barrel.

Charter Arms Bulldog Pug: Calibre .44 five- shot model produced by Charter Arms Corp. Title and calibre are stamped onto left side of barrel, while company address appears on right side of barrel. Weapon is nicely blued and has London Proof marks. Serial No. 972787. Courtesy Imperial War Museum, London.

© Gordon Bruce. (The author wishes to thank Homer Ficken, Frank Michaels and William Goforth for the kind help given during the preparation of this article.)