Factory engraved and ivory stocked, superb condition “BRITISH BULLDOG” marked revolver, with superb wide belt and holster dating from approximately 1880-1895! This revolver is chambered for the unusual .44 Bulldog Short center fire cartridge with 5-shot un-fluted cylinder and 2 1/2” round with flat top barrel. Many, if not most, Bulldog revolvers were made in smaller calibers, making this big .44 caliber scarce and desirable. This beautiful revolver retains a lovely nickel and patina finish and displays original engraving on the cylinder, frame and back strap. It is a double action revolver in which a single pull of the trigger cocks the hammer and fires the cartridge. It can also be shot single action by pulling the hammer back manually before pulling the trigger. The top strap over the cylinder is marked “BRITISH” and “BULL DOG.” There are no visible foreign proof marks on this revolver which would indicate U.S. manufacture. This is a much better example than normally encountered on the collector market. The ivory grips are sound and show a lovely mellow aged patina. The loading gate is spring activated and fully operational, snapping into place after being opened. Recent books devoted to the Bulldog revolvers shed light on the fact that they were some of the most common and popular firearms in the nineteenth century Frontier West as well as with inhabitants of the “more civilized East.” It is interesting to note that on July 2, 1881, President James Garfield was shot twice while traveling through a Washington railroad depot. His assassin, Charles Guiteau, used a Bulldog revolver very much like this one. Bulldog revolvers this embellished and in this outstanding state of preservation, inside and out, are rarely offered on the collector market today. Additionally, paired with this embellished revolver is the original money belt with sewn-in holster and pockets. The belt measures a full 4” wide. It is approx. 38” long overall with a thick and heavy double-prong silver buckle at one end. On the left side is a small snap-fastened covered pouch that measures 3 1/2” wide and 3” deep, next to this pouch is a cross-draw holster. Next to the holster are two identical, large snap fastened pouches or pockets that measure 7 ¼” wide by 3 ¼” deep. It is interesting to note that snap fasteners were invented by a German inventor named Heribert Bauer in 1885. All seams, stitching, snaps and leather are intact and in a remarkable state of preservation. This beautiful condition and unusual holster rig combined with the original Western Bulldog .44 center fire caliber ivory gripped revolver make for a stunning display of an extremely rare set. This firearm qualifies as an Antique, and does not require FFL Transfer or NICS Background Check. For a complete representation of condition and for additional images please call 800-686-4216. It is the buyer’s responsibility to view each image and preview the item to determine condition.