Forehand & Wadsworth British Bull-Dog .38 S&W Revolver, Pre-1890, 2.5-Inch Barrel, Nickel, 5-Shot
This antique Forehand & Wadsworth British Bull-Dog stands out as a compact, American-made .38 S&W revolver from the pre-1890 era. It features a 2.5-inch barrel, bright nickel finish, a 5-round fluted cylinder, and DA/SA operation with an exposed hammer. Clear factory-style markings and classic birdshead hard-rubber grips add period-correct appeal for collectors.
Condition
Overall Condition: Poor condition.
Bore Overall Condition: Poor - Noticeable dirt, stains, significant corrosion or damage.
Bore Rifling: Poor Rifling - Rifling heavily worn or filled with fouling or debris.
Specific Condition Notes: This revolver is nonfunctional. The action will not remain cocked, the cylinder free-spins, and the loading gate does not latch closed. The grip has a chip missing. Rust and pitting are present.
What's Included
- Forehand & Wadsworth British Bull-Dog .38 S&W revolver
Manufactured in the United States and marked with the Forehand & Wadsworth name, this British Bull-Dog variant predates the company’s 1890 name change, placing it firmly in the antique category. The topstrap is roll-marked "BRITISH" over "BULL-DOG," with "FOREHAND & WADSWORTH" on the left barrel flat, aligning it with known F&W production.
The revolver is built on a solid frame with a right-side loading gate and a hinged under-barrel swing-out ejector rod. It carries a 5-round fluted cylinder chambered in .38 S&W and a compact 2.5-inch barrel, a configuration closely associated with the pocket-size Bulldog style of the period.
Sighting is simple and durable, with a topstrap groove rear and a half-moon front blade. The birdshead grip frame wears checkered black hard-rubber panels, and the trigger is a smooth curved pattern. The frame, cylinder, and receiver show a bright nickel finish consistent across the revolver.
As an antique, pre-1890 piece with clear model and maker markings, this example offers strong period authenticity. Its serial number location on the butt and the F&W rollmarks place it within the established Forehand & Wadsworth production range, supporting its historical interest for collectors.