I have obtained a British Lion 'bulldog' style revolver chambered in .450 Adams. There is no serial number or manufacturer's mark on the gun, but both the frame and cylinder are marked '45' and there are Birmingham proof marks on the barrel, frame and each chamber on the cylinder. The 'British Lion' name and apparent british production indicate that the gun was likely made after 1878, when Webley trademarked the name 'British Bulldog.'
The gun is original and in excellent order. It is a robust, high quality firearm. I have seen one other 'British Lion' for sale at auction that was in .44 caliber and was marked with the patent for the joint-Stanton patent for it's rebounding hammer. Mine does not have a rebounding hammer.
I have been able to find out very little about this or other 'British Lion' revolvers, except that they are viewed as a near-equal to Webleys, and I found a literary reference to one from around 1900.
If anyone knows anything about who manufactured these revolvers, when and where etc. I'd love to learn more.
This appears to be the mark stamped in various places on the gun. It is from the Birmingham Proof House and was in use from 1813-1904, so it's no real help in dating the piece...
Information on a 'British Lion' revolver?
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