Original Item: Only One Available. This is an American classic in .44 Rimfire, the cartridge used in the early HENRY Lever Action Rifles! What a punch these must have had!

The story goes that Doc Holiday's part time girlfriend, Big Nose Kate, once drilled some gambler a new belly button with one of these powerful pistols. Using Hammond's "Bulldog" patent, these were made by the Connecticut Arms and Manufacturing Company. Records show production was between 1866 and 1880 and that total production reached fewer than 8,000 units. The top of the barrel still has clear maker markings:

There are also mostly clear patent markings on the rotating breech:

The pistol is marked on the underside of the barrel, on the grip frame, and on the inside of the left grip scale with matching serial number 1476, indicating early production, probably circa 1870. We were not able to see serial numbers on other components, however we do not know if they were usually numbered.

This example is in very nice condition, with the finish overall faded to a plum patina, with spots of light peppering. The bore shows clear lands and grooves with a partly bright finish. There are areas of oxidation and fouling present, as expected from a pistol made during the black powder era. The original "gutta percha" composite grips are in lovely condition, with strong checkering and a slightly faded color. The left scale does have a stress crack on the interior, which is not visible on the outside.

The chamber on these pistols is opened by pressing the small stud sight on the top of the frame directly behind the hammer. The breech can then be rotated left to extract the spent cartridge and load a fresh one. This example however has the sight frozen in the "open" position, so it does not need to be pressed down. The breech opens correctly, and the pistol has a strong dry fire. The firing pin is present, though it is very stiff, and will only move back and forth a little at present. The ejector also does not currently present when the breech is opened.

Still, it presents very nicely with loads of patina, and is ready to display!

Specifications: 

Years of Manufacture: circa 1870
Caliber: .44 Henry
Ammunition Type: Rimfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 4 inches
Overall Length: 8 inches
Action: Exposed Hammer
Feed System: Swivel Breech Single Shot

NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.