For bidding in this lot is a factory engraved and ivory stocked, superb condition Western Bulldogó marked revolver, with superb wide belt and holster dating from approx. 1880-1895! This revolver is chambered for the unusual .41 Short center fire cartridge with 5-shot un-fluted cylinder and 2 1/2ó round barrel. Many, if not most, Bulldog revolvers were made in smaller calibers, making the big .41 caliber scarce and desirable. This beautiful revolver retains nearly all the nickel finish and displays original engraving on the barrel, 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 WESTERNó and BULL DOG.ó There are no visible foreign proof marks on this revolver which probably indicates 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 age patina. The loading gate also retains all the nickel finish and is 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.ó 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 secretó money belt with sewn-in holster and pockets. The belt measures a full 4 _ó wide in the center and tapers to approx. 3 _ó at each end. It is approx. 34ó long with a buckle at each end for attaching a removable adjustment strap. On the left side is a small snap-fastened covered pouch that measures 3ó wide and 3ó deep, next to this pouch is a cross-draw holster made exactly for this revolver with retaining strap that secures into what appears to be a bone or ivory button. In the center of the belt is a large snap fastened, covered compartment secured by two additional buckle straps that measures 8ó wide by 4ó deep. Lastly, on the right side of the belt is a similar double buckle strap and snap fastened covered compartment that measures 7ó by 3.ó A fascinating part of this leather rig is that it is sewn across the top portion only, so that when the belt is removed and opened it becomes a long wallet with five slotted enclosures that are secure and hidden when the belt is worn! There is also a snap fastener at the bottom of each end of the belt. 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 .41 center fire caliber ivory gripped revolver make for a stunning display of an extremely rare set. The revolver qualifies as an Antique Handgun, and does not require FFL Transfer or NICS Background Check. Serial Number: NSN. For a complete representation of condition and for additional images please call 800-686-4216. It is the buyer۪s responsibility to view each image and preview the item to determine condition.