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Historical Inscribed Webley Number 2 British Bull-Dog Double Action Revolver with Ivory Grips, with

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:1,400.00 USD Estimated At:3,500.00 - 6,500.00 USD
Historical Inscribed Webley Number 2 British Bull-Dog Double Action Revolver with Ivory Grips, with
Blade front and notch rear sights, with Webley & Son makers mark on the barrel flat and "THE BRITISH/ BULL DOG" on the top strap, crossed scepter proofs on the left side of the barrel, and "WEBLEY'S/ No2/ 44 RIM/ (winged bullet)/ 23305" on the left side of the frame. Smooth bird's head ivory grips, with "Sheriff Nunan" scrimshawed on the left panel. A very large quantity of papers have been provided by the consignor, attributing the revolver to Matthew Nunan, Sheriff of San Francisco from December 1875 to December 1879. Born in Limerick, Ireland, Nunan migrated to California at a young age, and started as an entrepreneur before being persuaded to run for the office of Sheriff. During his tenure, Nunan was forced to bring in the department's bookkeeper for fraud, was involved in the case Ho Ah Kow v. Nunan, which saw the overturn of a city-applied anti-Chinese law, and suffered approximately $100,000 in personal financial losses. This revolver is photographed in a Webley Revolver book which copies of the page are also included with the lot.
BBL: 2 1/2 inch flat top
Stock:
Gauge: 44 rimfire
Finish: nickel
Grips: ivory
Serial Number: 23305
Condition: Fine, with a mixed brown and gray patina on the surface, showing 40% of the original nickel, strongest on the cylinder and barrel, with spotting and handling marks. The mechanism operates in double action only. Grips are excellent, with a tiny chip on the right side.