Firearms of Sherlock Holmes

� �(3) While it is obvious that Holmes has little regard for his landlady�s (Mrs. Hudson) building, one would assume that he has at least enough consideration to be using a small caliber firearm to both reduce noise and damage. Eley Bros. Produced a few small center-fire pistol and revolver cartridges in the time period of 1881-1893. The following types/calibers are noted in the Eley 1892 catalog. .230 Short (.297/.230 Morris), .230 Long (.297/.230 Morris), .230 Eley (.320/.230), .25 Revolver (.297/.250), and .297 Revolver. They also indicate making a 7mm Revolver that was designated for �French Revolvers.� (.27 caliber.) To go beyond this in caliber, would result in getting into the larger and improbable calibers.

�

�� (4) Opinions of Holmesian Authors.

�� (a) Robert K. Leavitt authored �Annie Oakley in Baker Street� which appeared in �Profile by Gaslight�, published in 1944. He concludes that �certainly this one was a single shot salon pistol of Continental make.�

�� (b.) Scott McMillan and Garry James authored �The Guns of Sherlock Holmes� which appeared in the Guns & Ammo Magazine for April 1975. They conclude �Holmes� target pistol is of German manufacture, with a single set trigger, solid breech and recoil shield and specially weighted muzzle and butt��The Eley #1 was the smallest center-fire cartridge ever commercially loaded. Designed for use in pistols such as this one used by Holmes, these cartridges are indeed diminutive,�� The basis for this article is said to be: �A collection of guns having once belonged to Sherlock Holmes has come to light in California in the possession of the family of John Watson�s great granddaughter.�

�� Note: These authors are apparently unaware that this supposed great granddaughter was completely exposed as a fraud by the real great granddaughter living in a London suburb. The fraud investigation by the London Metropolitan Police was duly reported in the London Times. The legitimate great granddaughter is quoted as saying: �the idea that a granddaughter of Dr. Watson would disgrace the family name by moving to California is so much ineffable twaddle.�

�� (c.) William S. Baring-Gould in his �The Annotated Sherlock Holmes� makes reference to the �Catalogue of the Sherlock Holmes Exhibition� held at Abbey House in 1951. Where it was felt that �Watson applied the term �Boxer� loosely and that the ammunition used� by Holmes consisted of �rim-fire� cartridges which would make little noise and accomplish little damge�. Further reference is then made to .22 rim-fire.

�� Note: As I have indicated earlier, the idea that Dr. Watson, a military man would make the gross mistake of confusing center-fire with rim-fire is so much unmitigated bleat.

�� (5) Cartridge: I believe that the answer to the puzzle of cartridge caliber can be found in the book �Center Fire American and British Pistol and Revolver Cartridges� by White and Munhall, published in 1950. (The premier cartridge reference source.) Of particular interest is the description and discussion of the British .230 caliber (.297/.230 Morris Short - Invented in 1882 for use in sub-caliber cartridge inserts.) �Morris�s idea gained the approval of the British Army and was used for many years in both the Martini Henry and its successor, the .303 rifle of various models. The short version of the cartridge was an item of standard issue in the British Service for many years�these rounds were also used in handguns. Webley & Scott furnished a Morris supplementary barrel and chamber device for insertion in both their .450 and .455 revolvers. When so equipped they were recommended for target practice at twenty yards. Prior to World War I a number of Austrian manufacturers made special target pistols chambered for the Morris rounds. These, of course, did not require insert barrels, since the regular barrel furnished was of .230 caliber.� Gordon Bruce, the co-author of the book �Webley Revolvers� advised me that the Webley MP revolver was also chambered for the .297/.230 Morris cartridge as one of the model calibers. The time period for this cartridge meshes perfectly with the story published in 1893. These are also very low powered cartridges. They used a 37-38 grain bullet. The velocity in rifle barrels was indicated to be 875 fps. The energy would be approx. 63 ft. lbs. (Obviously the energy would be much lower in a short pistol barrel.) The energy of the standard velocity .22 short rim fire cartridge (1035 fps.) is approx. 69 ft. lbs. The early Eley Brothers catalogs (1887, 1888, and 1892) all picture and describe the .297/.230 cartridge.The 1892 catalog also indicates the cartridge to be packaged in 100 round boxes. It is also noted that the same catalogs show the Eley No. 1 to be the designation for both their .22 rim-fire �Bulleted Cap� and their .22 rim-fire �shot� cartridge. It is not used on any of the small center-fire rounds. It is not until the 1899 catalog that the rather strange .22 caliber center fire pistol and revolver cartridge makes it�s appearance. (Eley designated it as the .22-3-30 caliber.) Somewhere between 1905 and 1910, this cartridge was forever dropped from the Eley product line while still continuing with the .297/.230 Morris cartridge.

�� (6.) Firearm: Someone as patriotic as Holmes, and who would adorn the wall with a �V.R.� made up of bullet pocks, is unlikely to resort to the use of a German or Austrian target pistol when he could have an English product made by Webley. While it is possible that Holmes used one of the Webley Revolvers equipped with a Morris insert, another choice is more likely. A popular target pistol was made by Webley in the latter part of the 19^th century. The pistol was introduced by Webley in 1880. This pistol was a single shot, single action, tip-up, breech loading Target or Saloon pistol. It was made in calibers for the 6mm, 7mm, 9mm Flobert cartridges as well as the .22 rimfire and the .297/230 Morris center fire cartridge. The book �Webley Revolvers� by Bruce and Reinhart, describes and illustrates this pistol. �To load and eject, the breech end of the barrel is tipped up by operating a trigger like lever situated in front of the guard�.Although produced by Webley�s, these saloon or target pistols followed the Continental design�.These pistols, weighing from 1 to 3 lbs., were very popular during the latter part of the 19^th century when shooting galleries were more popular than they are today�With the short ranges available in shooting galleries or saloon, these weapons were ideal. They were easily loaded and nicely balanced.�

�� Note: The time period of the Webley Model 1880 single shot target pistol in the .297/.230 Morris caliber, fits perfectly into the time slot for this published article.

Webley 1880 Safety Devices

Information is not available concerning the safety devices on the Webley 1880 single shot target pistol. The only diagram available shows the exposed hammer in the full down or full forward position. This would indicate that the pistol does not have an automatic rebounding hammer safety. It is assumed that the gun probably does have a safety notch on the hammer, however this information is not known. It is noted that there is a notch on the back of the hammer just behind the hammer spur. It is assumed that this is a part of some form of manual hammer block. There is no apparent sliding safety on the top tang for the purpose of engaging the notch. It is possible that the left side of the frame has some means of manual safety engagement.

Webley acquired the gun-making firm of Tipping & Lawden in 1877. This firm used a type of sliding safety on the top tang that engaged a notch on the rear of the hammer behind the spur. This was used on one of their over-under Model pistols. It is assumed that some of the Tipping & Lawden designs were carried over into subsequent Webley products.

Webley has used a similar type of safety on their Model .455 Over-under pistol. That Model employed a sliding safety on the top tang that engaged a notch behind the hammer spur. This served to lock the hammer against movement.

1881, March 4-7 "A Study in Scarlet". (Published in December 1887.) While the time setting for this story is not the earliest of the stories, it is the first or earliest published story or novel in the Sherlock Holmes series. This novel is also the first of the Sherlock Holmes stories. that contains a reference to Dr. Watson's revolver.

�� Holmes is talking to Watson: "Have you any arms?" "I have my old service revolver and a few cartridges." "You had better clean it and load it. He will be a desperate man; and though I shall take him unawares, it is as well to be ready for anything." I went to the bedroom and followed his advice. When I returned with the pistol, the table had been cleared, and Holmes was engaged in his favorite occupation of scraping upon his violin. "The plot thickens," he said, as I entered;...."

Comments

�� (1): In considering the identity of Watson's "old service revolver", the time of Watson's service would be of importance. If one refers to "Reminiscences of John H. Watson, M.D. late of the Army Medical Department" as noted at the beginning of "A Study in Scarlet", the answer can be found. It can be concluded that Watson served in the British Army (Berkshires) as a medical officer during 1879-1880. He served in the 2nd Afghan War where he was wounded (Battle of Maiwand.) and hospitalized in 1880.

�� (2): It was during this time period that the standard British service revolver was the Adams Model 1872 Mark III in the .450 center fire caliber. This was a solid frame double action, 6 shot revolver. The original Adams .450 caliber service revolver was approved in 1867. The Mark II has been dated circa 1871. The Mark III version was adopted 25 January 1878. The basic Model 1872 had a special patented rod ejector and a loading gate. The barrel length was 6 inches. The weight unloaded was 2.6 lbs. (42 ounces.) The .450 cartridge was called the Adams Mark II/III. (Cartridge introduced in 1877.) The bullet weight was 225 grains with a muzzle velocity of 650 fps. The propellant was 13 grains of R.F.G.2 black powder. Officially purchased weapons went to regular military units in England and abroad. They also went to the colonies for police, penal and militia forces. During the latter part of the last year of Watson's service, the Adams service revolver was replaced (August 1880) by the Enfield Mark I revolver. However deliveries of the Adams Mark III revolvers continued into 1881. (During the time period of 1872-1881, approx. 7,300 Adams Mark II and Adams Mark III revolvers were delivered to the British Government.) It is probable that Watson�s service revolver was the Adams Mark III.

�� (3): The Adams Mark II and Mark III revolvers were also sold commercially. The Adams Patent Small Arms Manufacturing Co. traded at No. 391 Strand, London. (Until 1894.) The company in early advertising, described the revolver as the "Adams's New Patent Double Action, Central Fire, Breech Loading Revolvers as exclusively adopted by H. M.'s War Department.". They also referenced "cartridges specially designed...by Col. Boxer, R. A. Chief Superintendent of the Royal Laboratories, Woolwich." They described the company as "Contractors to H.M.s War Department."

�� (4): Watson's service revolver has been identified by other authors as: a. ".450 Second Model Adams revolver" retailed by "Boss & Co. 73 St. James St. London". (Scott McMillan and Garry James 4/75.) b. "Adams .450 calibre center-fire Model 1872 Mark III revolving pistol." (Daniel P. King 3/74.) c. "Standard issue revolver....the Adams #3...which was adopted for service in June of 1873...six shot, breech-load center-fire revolver of .450 caliber with a six inch barrel�".(Dante M. Torrese.)

Adams Model 1872 Mark III Safety Systems

The automatic rebounding hammer safety mechanism had been developed in England in 1866, a full� 12 years before the Adams Mark III was adopted as the British Service revolver in 1878. Unfortunately, while the British Service revolver utilized the more advanced double action mechanism, it did not have the advantage of the �State of the Art� in safety systems. The only safety on the Adams Mark III was a safety notch position on the hammer. (Illustration by Gordon Bruce, Bexley, Kent, England.) The United States contemporary� service revolver in this time period was the Colt Single Action Army Model of 1872. The Colt also utilized a hammer safety notch as the only safety system.

1883, April 6 "The Adventure of the Speckled Band." (Published in 1892.) This story has references to Watson's revolver.

�� "We shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be very obliged if you would slip your revolver into your pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen who can twist steel pokers into knots."

�� "I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left in darkness."

Comments

�� (1): The reference to "Eley's No. 2" is a rather confusing reference. Obviously the reference to Eley is a reference to the famous Eley Bros. Ltd. cartridge manufacturer. However, my research does not validate the reference to No. 2 as having reference to any of the Eley Bros. revolver cartridges. The No.2 designation probably is in reference to a Webley Revolver Model 2, that used Eley cartridges. The Eley Bros. Company did utilize number references on their rifle cartridges. Unfortunately, even on rifle cartridges, the designation of "No. 2" is not a specific designation as the Eley Co. used "No. 2" on more than one rifle cartridge. Eley Bros. introduced a series of rifle cartridges that were designated No. 2 cartridges. (.360 No. 2 Nitro Express, .450 No. 2 Nitro Express, .475 No. 2 Nitro Express, .500/.450 No. 2 Musket and .577/.500 No. 2 Express.) The early Eley Brothers catalogs (1880, 1882, 1887, 1888, 1892, 1899, 1901, 1902 and 1910) do not support any of the claims for a simple single digit number designation of calibers on Eley revolver center-fire rounds. It is also noted that the same catalogs show the Eley No. 1 to be the designation for both their .22 rim-fire �Bulleted Cap� and their .22 rim-fire �shot� cartridge. No. 2 is the� 7mm (.276) and No. 3 in 9mm or� larger caliber rim-fire bulleted and shot cartridges. It is not used on any of the center-fire handgun rounds.

�� (2): The Webley Story by Dowell, 1987, has a table of Commercial British Rim-Fire cartridges. This table has what is described as a No. 2 Bulleted Cap cartridge with a caliber of .276". Also a box of 100 cartridges is illustrated (photo) and marked "Eley", "No. 2 Bulleted" and "Rim-fire". Dowell also references in another chart, a No. 2 Rim-fire shot cartridge loaded with 33 grains of No. 9 shot. Again there is a photograph of an Eley box marked No. 2 Shot Cartridges. The other Eley box photographs all appear to use caliber designations rather than number designations.

�� (3): The Eley Bros. Company was organized in 1847. By the time of the Great Exhibition of 1851, the Eley Brothers name was said to have become a household word among Victorian English sportsman. By 1874 the Eley Brothers product range had expanded to the extent that they found it necessary to go public in order to raise sufficient operating cash. The name at that time was changed to Eley Bros. Ltd. The sale of Eley products in England was said to be almost twice that of their closest competitor the Kynoch Co. The Eley Brothers Ltd. cataloge of 1898 listed 267 calibers of rifle, revolver and pistol cartridges. Eley products won prize medals at exhibitions worldwide. Among the medals were the "Grand Prix" at the Paris exhibitions both in 1898 and 1900. In 1918, the Eley Brothers Ltd. became a part of a massive company called Explosive Trades Ltd. (Eley, Nobel and Kynoch.) Later the group designation became Nobel Industries Limited and finally Imperial Chemical Industries Limited.

�� (4): The reference to "Eley's No. 2" has also caused considerable controversy and confusion among the various Sherlockian authors. Below are the comments and interpretations of William S. Baring-Gould, Daniel King, D. F. Bensley and Dante M. Torrese.

�� In William S. Baring-Gould's massive "The Annotated Sherlock Holmes" (1967) the following remarks are noted: "This was not Watson's old service revolver, but a pistol acquired by him after his move to Baker Street. Actually, the gun was a Webley's No. 2, .320 bore,...The Eley cartridges of the time were sold in boxes labeled to say which weapon they fitted; and (Holmes') "Eley No. 2" is probably a confusion arising out of a box marked in large letters "Eley" and in smaller letters, "for the Webley Pistol, No. 2". Moreover, some Webley pistols were marketed with "Eley .320" on the barrel.."

�� Daniel King writing in the March 1974 issue of the Baker Street Journal "On The Armoury in Baker Street" comments: "It is interesting that Holmes refers to this revolver as an "Eley's No. 2." This, of course, is a reference to the cartridge manufacturing firm of Eley Bros. Ltd. and their "No. 2 Cartridge" - a term used to describe the .320-inch or .32 caliber cartridge." He concludes that the gun was "probably a Webley's Solid-Frame Civilian Pocket Model of the type first produced in 1870. The .320 calibre No. 2 is a five-chambered revolver with a 2 1/8-inch barrel and a weightt of 12 1/4 ounces."

�� D. F. Bensley writing in the Baker Street Journal "A Question of Ballistics?" states: "I propose a quite a different thesis - that Holmes was referring to the cartridge, not the gun at all. In fact, I will propose that Holmes cared little for guns, per se, but was intensely involved in the study and development of propellants for small arms."

�� Finally, Dante M. Torrese, also writing in the Baker Street Journal, "Firearms In The Canon: The Guns of Sherlock Holmes and John H. Watson" comments: "Webley was not standard service issue until 1887. Eley did not manufacture guns; Holmes called Watson's revolver by the ammunition it used. The Eley #2 was the .450 service cartridge. Even today, we refer to .357 magnum revolvers and .45 automatics, the reference being to the size of the ammunition, not the brand name of the gun."

�� (5): Gun - My thought is that the revolver in question must have been a smaller revolver than the "Old Service Revolver" referred to in "A Study in Scarlet". The Adams Model 1872 Mark III, .450 caliber revolver is hardly a gun that Watson would likey heed Holmes's suggestion of: "slip your revolver into your pocket." The Adams service revolver would have weighed approx. 42 ounces unloaded. With all 6 cylinder chambers loaded, one could add another 4+ ounces. The length was approx. 11 inches. If Watson was to walk around with this long, bulky roughly 3 pound object in his pocket, he would have needed a good belt and suspenders plus the assistance of one hand to keep his pants up. This would be without regard to the need for very deep pockets and perhaps the additional need for reinforcement in his pocket. I think that it is likely that the gun in question was one of the Webley pocket models, probably a Webley No.2. This Webley Model line extended from 1879 until 1914.

�� (6): Cartridge/Caliber - It is also my thought that some of the researchers are confused by the Military Roman numeral designations for versions of certain caliber cartridges. For example the Adams 1872 revolver (caliber .450) used cartridges with the military designation of Mark I, Mark II and Mark III (Mk I, Mk II, Mk III). Mark II military can not be assumed to be the same as a No. 2. cartridge commercially. The Military Enfield cartridges (caliber .476) were Mark I, II and III. The Military Webley (caliber .455) cartridges were Mark I, II, III, IV, V and VI.

�� Note: The above claims of King (Eley No.2 is the Eley .320 cartridge.) and Torrese (Eley No. 2 is the Eley .450 cartridge.) are not validated by Eley Co. catalogs of 1880, 1882, 1887, 1888, 1892, 1899, 1901, 1902, 1910 or 1935. These catalogs all indicate that the Eley 1, 2 and 3 referred� to rimfire cartridges of .22 caliber (6mm), .27 caliber (7mm) and ,35 caliber (9mm). They were also referred to as �Saloon� cartridges. The center-fire revolver cartridges were not referred to by a simple number indication. It seems likely that the caliber is either .380 or .450. The caliber .320 was not added to the Webley No. 2 Model line until 1884, a year after this story took place.

Webley Model No. 2, Safety Devices

The only safety device in the Webley No. 2 Model, is the simple manual safety notch on the hammer. This double action revolver has no rebounding hammer. The Webley No. 2 Model is designed based on the Reeves British Patent No. 2690, granted on 22 October 1857.

1887, October 29-30 "The Red Headed League." (Published in 1891.) This story has reference to Watson's gun. In this story, Holmes uses a "hunting crop" for defense.

The reference to Watson�s revolver comes after Watson and Holmes agree to meet that evening at Baker Street at 10:00 PM.

�� "Very Well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket.� He waved his hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the crowd."

�� "If they fire, Watson, have no compunction about shooting them down.� I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front oh his lantern, and left us in pitch darkness-such an absolute darkness as I have never before experienced��we must be silent and wait."

�� "The light flashed upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes's hunting crop came down upon the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone floor."

Comments

�� (1): Here we again have a reference to Watson's army revolver. See the comments above under the notes in "A Study in Scarlet" for an analysis of Watson's service days revolver. As indicated above, (The Adventure of the Speckled Band) it is unlikely that Watson would slip his Adams 1872 Mark III revolver into his pocket. If he did indeed take his Army revolver with him, he must have resorted to a holster or some other means of carrying it. It is likely that if he carried a revolver in his pocket, it was probably the more compact Webley Model No. 2 described above.

�� (2): The laying of a cocked revolver on the top of a wooden case does not say much for Watson's judgment in the safe use of firearms. Inasmuch as Watson's revolver was clearly a double action mechanism, the need to lay a cocked gun on a questionable support for future readiness in a pitch dark room is very doubtful.

�� (3): A riding crop is probably of some value if the opponent is within arms length and not armed with a gun. The chances of success under such circumstances, would seem to be very slim. However, Holmes was successful as I should have expected he would be.

�� (4): The use of the terms "revolver" and "pistol" are again used interchangeably by Watson to designate a revolver.

- Part II-

19 November 1887 � Summer 1903

� * - Part II of this paper was originally presented at the �AFTE 98� the 29^th Annual Conference of the Association of Firearms and Tool Mark Examiners, Tampa, Florida, July 16, 1998. Part II was published in the AFTE Journal (Volume 30, No. 4) Fall 1998.

�� A slightly revised version of Part II, �The Firearms of Sherlock Holmes� was presented to the 83^rd Educational Seminar of the International Association For Identification meeting in Little Rock, Arkansas on July 23, 1998.

Key Words: Revolver Safeties; Victorian London; Webley Metropolitan Police Model Revolver; Webley Mark III Pocket Revolver; Webley Model W.P. Pocket Revolver; Webley Mark IV Revolver; Sherlock Holmes; Doctor Watson.

Abstract

This paper continues the review and identification of the handguns of the famous consulting detective, Sherlock Holmes and his associate Dr. Watson. An attempt will be made to cut through the conflicting information created by earlier Sherlockian authors. The safety mechanisms and designs of their handguns will be reviewed as well as comparisons to the �State of the Art� of handguns in Victorian London. A few comments and observations will be made as it relates to the handgun handling practices of the famous pair where it is deemed appropriate.

Introduction

Holmes and Watson�s use of firearms is noted in twenty one (21) of the stories/novels. (56 short stories and 4 novels make up the �Canon�.) The time period for the settings of the firearms related stories spans the years of 1879 to 1903. The earliest setting is �The Musgrave Ritual� and the last one is the �The Adventure of the Mazarin Stone�. In publishing order however, the time span is from 1887 to 1924. The first one in publishing order is �A study in Scarlet� with �The Adventure of the Three Garridebs� being the final one. It should be noted that there are a few other stories that mention the use of firearms but not by Holmes or Watson.

This analysis of the firearms of Sherlock Holmes, Dr. Watson and Victorian London is arranged in the order and time periods that the Holmes stories represented. The published year is also referenced. The Canon has over 100 references to guns, pistols or revolvers. There appears to be some disagreement among the various authors as to the makes and models of the guns referred to in the stories. Some are clearly and obviously wrong, while others are probably correct. Some authors failed to consider either the time setting for the story being analyzed or the publication date and the necessary correlation with arms and ammunition introduction dates. As is often the case, a later author then repeats the error of an early author. This study will hopefully clear up some of the existing confusion. This study will also look at the types of safety designs to be found in the Sherlockian firearms.

Part II Notes

Part I was presented at the 1997 AFTE and IAI conferences. At that time, the first gun used by Watson, the Adams revolvers, was reviewed along with the Webley single shot target� pistol used by Holmes in his famous indoor target shooting at 221B Baker Street. The puzzle of the �Eley�s No. 2� reference was also probed in detail. The story time setting periods were from October 2^nd, 1879 until October 30^th 1887. Part II will cover Holmes �favorite� revolver as well as a later revolver used by Watson. Part II will cover the story time settings from 19 November 1887 through the Summer of 1903. The publishing time periods are 1890-1924. Part II will conclude the Homes firearms paper.

1887, November 19. "The Adventure of the Dying Detective". (Published in 1913.) This story makes a short reference to Holmes gun handling practices.

�� " Mrs. Hudson, the landlady of Sherlock Holmes, was a long suffering woman. Not only was her first floor flat invaded at all hours by throngs of singular and often undesirable characters, but her remarkable lodger showed an eccentricity and irregularity in his life which must have sorely tried her patience. His incredible untidiness, his addiction to music at strange hours, his occasional revolver practice within doors, his weird and often malodorous scientific experiments, and the atmosphere of violence and danger which hung around him made him the very worst tenant in London."

�� "Finally, in my aimless perambulation, I came to the mantlepiece. A litter of pipes, tobacco-pouches, syringes, penknives, revolver-cartridges, and other debris was scattered over it."

Comment

Here we note again the comment Watson concerning Holmes indoor target practice. Watson is here referring to a revolver rather than a pistol. If his comment was accurate, then the previous target practice reference in the �Musgrave Ritual� must have referred to either a Webley MP chambered for the .297/.230 Morris Short cartridge or one of the other Webley revolvers utilizing a Morris auxiliary chamber device. Perhaps this was a slip of the tongue by Watson and he meant to say pistol. Watson frequently used the term �pistol� to designate a revolver. While It is also possible that Holmes had more than one gun that he used for indoor target practice, this would not appear to be likely or practical.

1888, September 12. �The Greek Interpreter.� (Published in 1893.)

�� This story has a single reference to Holmes revolver. This story and the �Sign of the Four�, both with time settings in September 1888, are the earliest references to a revolver of Sherlock Holmes. The earliest reference to Holmes and firearms is of course the �hair-trigger� reference in the �Musgrave Ritual� with a time setting of 1879. (Also published however, in 1893.)

�� Excellent!� said Sherlock Holmes. �Send the boy for a four-wheeler, and we shall be off at once.� He opened the table-drawer as he spoke, and I noticed that he slipped his revolver into his pocket. �Yes,� said he, in answer to my glance, �I should say from what we have heard that we are dealing with a particularly dangerous gang.�

Comments

�� (1) The simple description of �revolver�, in this story (and in the �Sign of the Four�), gives very little clue to the make and model of the gun chosen by Mr. Holmes to be his sidearm. We can surmise, that in his association with Scotland Yard (London Metropolitan Police) and other police organizations, that he would probably draw on their experience in selecting a revolver. In October/November 1883, the London Metropolitan Police adopted a version of the Webley R.I.C. (Royal Irish Constabulary) No. 1 New Model. This version was designated the Webley Metropolitan Police Model. It remained the official police model until 1911, when the Webley & Scott automatic pistol replaced it. This gun was described as .450 caliber, 6 cylinder chambers, 2.5� barrel, 7� overall length and having a weight of 27 ounces. This is the gun probably used by Sherlock Holmes. It also fits the time period perfectly.

�� (2) Comments of Holmesian authors. (a) McMillan and James (The Guns of Sherlock Holmes) in Guns and Ammo magazine, April 1975 state: �There can be no doubt that the Webley Metropolitan Police revolver in the collection is in fact Holmes� personal sidearm�� (b) Daniel King (On The Armoury in Baker Street) in the Baker Street Journal, March 1974 indicates: �It is, of course, the renowned Webley�s R.I.C. Metropolitan and County Police Model No. 1�� (c) Dante Torrese (Firearms in the Canon..) in the Baker Street Journal writes: �I am quite certain that this Webley (Webley Metro-Police) would have been Holmes�s favorite revolver.� (d) Farrell (A Treatise Upon Sherlockian Firearms) in the Sherlock Holmes Journal indicates: �The Metropolitan Police Revolver would have fulfilled Holmes�s criteria perfectly.� Note: Except for a little mangling of the proper model designation of the Webley, it would appear that we are all in rare agreement on Holmes�s �favorite� revolver.

Webley Metropolitan Police Model Safety Devices

The only safety device on the Webley MP Model is a simple manual safety notch on the hammer. This Model double action revolver has no rebounding hammer. The lack of a rebounding hammer seems unusual when one considers that the earliest rebounding hammer designs and patents were the British ones dating in 1866 and 1867. The MP Model was introduced 16-17 years after this safety development.

1888, September 18-21 "The Sign of the Four" (Published in 1890.)

�� "Are you all ready? Then we had better go down, for it is a little past the hour.� I picked up my hat and my heaviest stick, but I observed that Holmes took his revolver from his drawer and slipped it into his pocket. It was clear that he thought that our night�s work might be a serious one."

�� "You have not a pistol, have you? "I have my stick" "It is just possible that we may need something of the sort if we get to their lair. Jonathan I shall leave to you, but if the other turns nasty I shall shoot him dead" He took out his revolver as he spoke, and having loaded two of the chambers, he put it back into the right hand pocket of his jacket. We had during this time been following the guidance of Toby (tracking dog) down the half rural villa lined roads which lead to the Metropolis."

�� "One bumper, said he, to the success of our little expedition. And now it is high time we were off. Have you a pistol, Watson?". " I have my old service revolver in my desk. You had best take it, then. It is well to be prepared. I see that the cab is at the door."

�� "Holmes had already drawn his revolver, and I whipped out mine at the sight of this savage, distorted creature. He was wrapped in some sort of a dark ulster or blanket, which left only his face exposed; but that face was enough to give a man a sleepless night. Never have I seen features so deeply marked with all bestiality and cruelty. His small eyes glowed and burned with a sombre light, and his thick lips were writhed back from his teeth, which grinned and chattered at us with half animal fury. Fire if he raises his hand, said Holmes quietly�.It was well that we had so clear a view of him. Even as we looked he plucked out from under his covering a short, round piece of wood, like a school-ruler, and clapped it to his lips. Our pistols rang out together. He whirled round, threw up his arms, and, with a kind of choking cough, fell sideways into the stream. I caught one glimpse of his venomous, menacing eyes amid the white swirl of the waters."

Comments

�� (1): This story has references to the use of a revolver by both Watson and Holmes. Watson's revolver is again referred to as his "old service revolver." See the above discussion (Part I) of Watson's "old service revolver" in "A Study in Scarlet."

�� (2): Holmes revolver is not described accept to indicate that it can be carried in the pocket. The loading of only two cylinder chambers is rather odd to say the least and probably of very questionable judgement.

1888, September-October "The Hound of Baskervilles" (Published in 1901.) This novel has several references to the guns of both Holmes and Watson. The following is noted:

�� Holmes speaking to Watson states: "You have arms, I suppose? Yes, I thought it as well to take them. Most certainly. Keep your revolver near you night and day, and never relax your precautions.�

�� I will come, said I. Then get your revolver and put on your boots. The sooner we start the better, as the fellow may put out his light and be off."

�� Watson comments: "There was our man running with great speed down the other side, springing over the stones in his way with the activity of a mountain goat. A lucky long shot of my revolver might have crippled him, but I had brought it only to defend myself if attacked and not to shoot an unarmed man who was running away..."

�� "If this man were inside it I should find out from his own lips, at the point of my revolver if necessary, who he was and why he had dogged us so long."

�� "I closed my hand upon the butt of my revolver and, walking swiftly up to the door, I looked in. The place was empty.�

�� And then at last I heard him. Far away came the sharp clink of a boot striking upon a stone. Then another and yet another, coming nearer and nearer. I shrank back into the darkest corner and cocked the pistol in my pocket, determined not to discover myself until I had an opportunity of seeing something of the stranger."�� Holmes? I cried - Holmes! "Come out," said he, "and please be careful with the revolver."

�� "Hist! " cried Holmes, and I heard the sharp click of a cocking pistol. "Look out! It's coming!�I spring to my feet, my inert hand grasping my pistol, my mind paralysed by the dreadful shape which had sprung out upon us from the shadows of the fog�.then Holmes and I both fired together, and the creature gave a hideous howl, which showed that one at least had hit him. He did not pause, however, but bounded onwards�"..."But the next instant Holmes had emptied five barrels of his revolver in the creature's flank". With a last howl of agony and a vicious snap in the air, it rolled upon its back, four feet pawing furiously, and then fell limp upon its side. I stooped, panting, and pressed my pistol to the dreadful, shimmering head, but it was useless to press the trigger. The giant hound was dead."

�� "A faint moaning and rustling came from within. Holmes struck the door just over the lock with the flat of his foot and it flew open. Pistol in hand, we all three rushed into the room..."

Comment

�� (1): Very little by way of descriptions of the guns is noted here. The terms "pistol" and "revolver" are again used interchangeably to designate a revolver. Rather curiously, both Holmes and Watson�s first firearms reference refers to Watson�s guns in the plural rather than singular. This would certainly suggest that Watson owned more than one revolver at one time. I would however, find it hard to believe that Watson would carry more than one gun at a time.

�� (2): The reference to Holmes firing 5 barrels of his revolver is also not technically correct. Holmes fired 5 chambers of the revolver�s cylinder.

�� (3): The reference to Watson cocking the revolver while still in his pocket, does not display much firearms safety judgement. The revolvers used by both Watson and Holmes are double action in operation. They could be fired without the requirement for cocking. When cocked, to permit single action operation, the gun would be rendered very dangerous to have in ones pocket.

1889, April 5-20. "The Adventure of the Copper Beeches". This story was first published in 1892.

There are three firearms reference and they all relate to Watson. Other than identifying the gun as a revolver, little descriptive information is found. Again the term pistol is used for the revolver.

�� "I should not be very much surprised if this were he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it would be well for you to have your pistol ready." The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at the door or the room, a very fat and burly man with a heavy stick in his hand."

�� "He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he could go. He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. "I have my revolver," said I. Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed down the stairs together."

�� "There was the huge famished brute, its black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and screamed on the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great creases of his neck."

1890, December 19-20. �The Adventure of the Beryl Coronet�. (This story was first published in 1892.) The firearms reference refers to Holmes use of his revolver. Nothing of a descriptive nature is noted in this reference.

�� But when I gave him every particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster, and took down a life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he became a little more reasonable.�

�� Note: The term �life preserver� as used in this story refers to a club or stick that has a weighted head, and is used as a weapon.

1891, April 24 - May 4. �The Final Problem.� (Published in 1893.)

This story deals with Holmes in person confrontation with the famous Professor James Moriarty. The story has a short discussion of Holmes and his revolver.

�� He peered at me with great curiosity in his puckered eyes. �You have less frontal development than I should have expected,� said he at last. �It is a dangerous habit to finger loaded firearms in the pocket of one�s dressing-gown.� The fact is that upon his entrance I had instantly recognized the extreme personal danger in which I lay. The only conceivable escape for him lay in silencing my tongue. In an instant I had slipped the revolver from the drawer into my pocket, and was covering him through the cloth. At his remark I drew the weapon out and laid it cocked upon the table. He still smiled and blinked but there was something about his eyes which made me feel very glad that I had it there. �You evidently don�t know me�, said he. �on the contrary�, I answered, �I think it is fairly evident that I do. Pray take a chair. I can spare you five minutes if you have anything to say.� : all that I have to say has already crossed your mind,� said he�He clapped his hand into his pocket, and I raised the pistol from the table. But he merely drew out memorandum book in which he had scribbled some dates.�

Comments

This discussion by Holmes would suggest that his gun must have been a compact model in order for him to put it in the pocket of his dressing gown and still have room to manipulate it so as to be covering Moriarty �through the cloth�. One would hope that he did not have the gun cocked while inside his pocket or why he would have felt the need to do so. The revolvers in use by Holmes and Watson were all double action in operation. It is hard to understand the need for placing the gun �cocked� upon the table. It may have been for the possible effect upon Moriarty rather than simply a reckless handling of firearms.

1894, April 5. "The Adventure of the Empty House" (Published in 1903.)

�This story has a few references to Watson's revolver. Other than identifying the gun as a revolver, little descriptive information is found. The following is noted:

�� "It was indeed like old times when, at that hour, I found myself seated beside him in a hansom, my revolver in my pocket, and the thrill of adventure in my heart...."

�� "Holmes crouched back against the wall, and I did the same, my hand closing upon the handle of my revolver. Peering through the gloom, I saw the vague outline of a man, a shade blacker than the blackness of the open door..."

�� "For an instant he was rigid and motionless. Then his finger tightened on the trigger. There was a strange, loud whiz and a long silvery tinkle of broken glass. At that instant Holmes sprang like a tiger on to the marksman�s back, and hurled him flat upon his face. He was up again in a moment, and with convulsive strength he seized Holmes by the throat, but I struck him on the head with the butt of my revolver, and he dropped again upon the floor."

�� This story also discusses "the famous air gun of Von Herder" used by Colonel Moran. (�he bent forward and threw all his weight and strength upon� some lever, with the result that there came a long, whirling, grinding noise, ending once more in a powerful click. He straightened himself then, and I saw that what he held in his hand was a sort of gun, with a curiously misshapen butt. He opened it at the breech, put something in, and snapped the breech-lock�picked up the powerful air gun from the floor,�An admirable and unique weapon, said he, noiseless and of tremendous power, I knew Von Herder, the blind German mechanic, who constructed it to the order of the late Professor Moriarty.�)

1895, April 13-20. �The Adventure of the Solitary Cyclist�. (Published in 1903.)

�This story refers to Holmes use of his revolver. Again, very little descriptive information is found in this reference other than the suggestion that the revolver is a pocket model.

�� It was the severity of Holmes�s manner and the fact that he slipped a revolver into his pocket before leaving our rooms which impressed me with the feeling that tragedy might prove to lurk behind this curious train of events.�

�� The old man, still clad in his surplice, burst into such a string of foul oaths as I have never heard, and pulled out a revolver of his own, but, before he could raise it, he was looking down the barrel of Holmes�s weapon. Enough of this, said my friend coldly. Drop that pistol! Watson, pick it up! Hold it to his head. Thank you. You, Carruthers, give me that revolver. We�ll have no more violence. Come, hand it over! Who are you, then? My name is Sherlock Holmes. Good Lord!�

1895, July 3-5. "The Adventure of Black Peter". (Published in 1904.)

This story has some short references to Watson's revolver. Again, other than identifying the gun as a revolver, little descriptive information is found

�� "I rather fancy that he is on the stair, said Holmes, serenely. I think Watson, that you would do well to put that revolver where you can reach it. He rose and laid a written paper upon a side-table. Now we are ready, said he."

�� "he would have very quickly overpowered my friend had Hopkins and I not rushed to his rescue. Only when I pressed the cold muzzle of the revolver to his temple did he at last understand that resistance was vain. We lashed� his ankles with cord, and rose breathless from the struggle.".

1895, November 23. �The Adventure of the Bruce Partington Plans.� (Published in 1908.)

This story has only a short