Webley Bull Dog Pocket Revolver (1872)
The Webley Bull Dog Pocket Revolver proved popular with civilians living out on the wild frontiers of the late 1800s.
Outwardly, the Bull Dog followed conventional revolver design with a solid frame receiver encompassing a multi-shot, reusable revolving cylinder which was loaded manually. The hammer spur protruded from the upper rear portion of the receiver and the pistol grip was ergonomically curved for a firm single-hand grip. The trigger was slung low in the design, curved to accept a trigger finger pull and protected over in an oblong trigger ring. The barrel was decidedly short and gave the Bull Dog its distinct appearance but also its compact nature. A fixed iron sight was added to the barrel just aft of the muzzle and intended for accurized fire - though the firearm was really a short-ranged weapon at best. The finish was primarily nickel with wooden grips while the barrel was internally rifled and externally smooth in appearance. Various production forms saw some Bull Dogs completed with exquisite engravings along the cylinder and receiver surfaces. In fact, so many different forms of the revolver went on to see the light of day that exact identification is sometimes impossible without the help of "true" Bull Dog experts. The Bull Dog was eventually chambered for a variety of cartridge calibers including the .44 Short Rimfire, the .442 Webley and the .450 Adams as well as other, more "exotic", breeds.
One of the more "famous" (or infamous) uses of a Bull Dog in history was utilized by lawyer Charles Guiteau to assassinate then-US President James Garfield on July 2nd, 1881. Garfield eventually succumbed to the infections brought about by the assassination attempt and died. Guiteau was subsequently executed for his actions in 1882 to which the revolver used in the shooting made its way into the archives of the Smithsonian - only to disappear completely some time later.
Needless to say, many existing Bull Dogs available today can fetch a considerable price if in the right market and in the right condition for she has proven a favorite of collectors the world over. Text ©2003-2013 www.MilitaryFactory.com • All Rights Reserved • No Reproduction Permitted
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Specifications for the
Webley Bull Dog
Pocket Revolver
Country of Origin: United Kingdom
Manufacturer: Philip Webley & Sons - UK (Amongt Others)
Initial Year of Service: 1872
Overall Length: 72mm (2.83in)
Barrel Length: 64.00mm (2.52in)
Weight (Empty): 3.31lbs (1.50kg)
Cartridge: .44 Short Rimfire; .442 Webley; .450 Adams
Action: Revolving Cylinder; Double-Action
Feed: 5-shot revolving cylinder
Rate-of-Fire: 6 rounds per minute
Range: 50ft (15m; 17yds)
Sights: Front Fixed Iron
Variants:
Bull Dog - Base Series Designation
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