P. Webley & Son British Bull Dog

posted on November 29, 2010
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
20101129141829-img_2203_2_f.jpg

Made by P. Webley & Son of London & Birmingham, England, the British Bull Dog, a scaled-down version of Webley’s Royal Irish Constabulary Model, was introduced in 1872 and made until 1914, when World War I put an end to a revolver already becoming obsolete. But during the 1870s and ’80s, it was one of the most popular double-actions in Europe and America.

It was squat and compact like a bulldog, and its 2½-inch barrel produced a loud “bark.” Moreover, its five shots were capable of inflicting a lethal “bite” at the close ranges dictated by a shallow-grooved top strap and small front sight blade. Chamberings included .44 Webley, .450 C.F., and .455 Webley.

With its bird’s head grip, large trigger guard, and prominent hammer spur, the British Bull Dog was an ergonomic revolver, although recoil from its big bore was stout. The Bull Dog’s popularity was enhanced by its compact size and affordable price, which ranged from $9 to $15, depending on chambering. Naturally, it was copied, primarily in England and Belgium, as well as by firms such as Iver Johnson, Harrington & Richardson, and Forehand & Wadsworth in America. Spurious stampings included American Bulldog, Western Bull Dog, California Bulldog, and my favorite, American British Bulldog. None of these have the value of guns made by Webley.

Finishes were blued or nickeled, and grips were checkered walnut, ivory or pearl. The cardboard boxes were usually discarded, some guns were engraved, and cased versions are scarce. There is no logical order to serial numbers, although three models were produced: No. 1 with a fluted cylinder; No. 2 with an unfluted cylinder; and No. 3 with an enlarged grip.

In his excellent book, “The British Bulldog Revolver” (Andrew Mowbray Publishers), George Layman mentions a Belgian copy of a .38 British Bulldog selling for $390 at auction in 2004 and authentic Webley versions selling for $175 to $1,800, depending on condition. According to Layman, No. 1 and No. 2 models are more desirable, and a No. 2 gun ranges from $400-$750.

The gun shown here is a nickeled No. 2 in 85 percent condition with ivory grips. As such, its value is $700 and destined to go up, given the increasing collectability of these guns.

Gun: P. Webley & Son British Bull Dog
Caliber: .44 Webley
Condition: 85 percent—NRA Excellent (Antique Firearms Condition)
Manufactured: 1880s (est.)
Value: $700

Latest

Hearing Healthy
Hearing Healthy

Summer Suppressor Deals On Now

Whether it is a BOGO deal from SIG or free tax stamps from Guns.com and Silencer Central, there's plenty of hearing-safe savings to be had this summer.

Rifleman Report: Defending Freedom For 250 Years

"Anyone who claims not to understand the plain and simple intent of the Second Amendment—especially if that person happens to be a constitutional law professor, Supreme Court justice, congressman, senator or president—is likely hiding nefarious intent: to strip individual liberty from American citizens for the express purpose of making them susceptible to a tyrannical government."

Book Review: 2025 Traveler’s Guide To The Firearms Laws Of The Fifty States

Newly updated for 2025, the 29th edition of the Traveler’s Guide To The Firearm Laws Of The Fifty States is packed with all the need-to-know information for cross-country trekkers seeking to bring their arms along with them and remain legal in all localities.

Springfield Kuna: A PDW For The Masses

Small, yet fierce, the namesake of Springfield Armory’s latest large-format pistol is a revered forest dweller in the land of its Croatian manufacturing partner, HS Produkt. The new Kuna is poised to be just as welcome in America.

The Armed Citizen® June 30, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Book Review: Clockwork Basilisk: The Early Revolvers Of Elisha Collier & Artemas Wheeler

The result of a decade of research, Clockwork Basilisk is a comprehensive, two-volume history of the rare revolvers that preceded the development of the well-known Colt guns of the 1830s.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.