Gun Digest 2011. Dan Shideler

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СКАЧАТЬ 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.

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