Forehand & Wadsworth serial numbers

[slboepple01]

Hello all,

I have a Forehand & Wadsworth British Bulldog with the serial number 3765. It is a 6 round in what I believe to be 38 cal (short). There is a matching serial number on cylinder as well. It was my Grandfathers who has passed away and I was hoping to find more history on it. I am mostly interested in figuring out when it was made.

Info I have found online has been all over the place with regard to age and value.

Thanks in advance for any help you can lend!

[johnbt]

F&W was only in business from 1878 to 1890, then it became Forehand Arms Co. I've never seen a list of numbers, but yours is certainly an early one.

[Gbro]

http://thefiringline.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=84345&d=1350663399
Is this anything like yours??
38. Cal Short is another way of saying .38 S&W
I have an old catalog, Meacham Arms Co., St.Louis (1884)
It lists an Improved British Bull-Dog.
" F. & W." Make.
DOUBLE ACTION, Self-Cocker.
The 32 cal. Are seven shot; 38 cal. Six shot, and 44cal. Five shot.

Send P. O. order for Sample. mailed, 50 cents extra.
No.250, New Model, Rubber Stock, Rebounding Hammers,
plated...............................................$3.12
Extra Pearl stock, $1.87, Ivory, $1.25; Engraving, $1.25
Seven shots in 5 seconds. weight 15 oz. Length of barrel 2in.

[slboepple01]

johnbt Thanks for the quick reply. That was the impression I got based on others I have seen pictures of online. One thing that also makes me think that it is an early version is that is does not have the bulldog trademark stamp on the left side of the frame.

Gbro That is the one. Mine has the black rubber stock, 6 shot. I am attaching pics.

[darkgael]

That little gun appears to be in marvelous condition. You have quite a piece there.
Bulldog pistols - the guns that really won the West (with apologies to George Layman, author of "The British Bulldog ").
Pete