Make: Forehand & Wadsworth

Model: “The British Bulldog” 

Serial Number: 105708

Year of Manufacture: 1870s-1890

Caliber: .38 cal 

Action Type: Double Action Side Loading Revolver

Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “FOREHAND & WADSWORTH”. The topstrap is marked “ BRITISH BULLDOG”. The butt of the grip frame, and rear face of the cylinder is marked with the serial number.

Barrel Length: 2.5” round

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a rounded blade fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a groove in the top-strap.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece checkered hard rubber in excellent condition. There are no chips or cracks. The inside of the right grip panel is marked with a hand written “8”. Overall, the grips are in about Excellent condition.

Type of Finish: Nickel

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is semi bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore. The bore rates 9/10 in this writer's opinion.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 97% of its current metal finish. There is some thinning to the nickel on the barrel and cylinder from age. Small spots are missing on the cylinder. Most of the nickel has been retained. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. Overall, this pistol is in about excellent operational condition, and as far as Antique ratings go its in fine plus condition.

Mechanics: The action does function correctly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: A leather holster is included with the revolver.

Our Assessment: The Bulldog revolver has connections both famous and infamous in American history, as detailed in George Layman’s book “The British Bulldog Revolver: The Forgotten Gun that Really Won the West!” Probably the most infamous connection places it in the hands of Charles Guiteau, the man who shot President James Garfield in 1881. Though the wounded President lived for several months under the rudimentary medical care of the time, he succumbed to the pair of bullet wounds almost three-months later. Even Gen. George Custer is rumored to have wielded a matched pair of ivory handled British Bulldog revolvers. 

This is an American copy of a British classic that helped to shape our country and culture today. With a rich history and multiple different models, collecting these revolvers has been growing in popularity; With 97% of its finish and strong mechanics this will make a great addition in any arms collection.