Triggernometry Jr.
New member
HI! I seem to be in a "needle in a haystack" research project. These single action wheel guns were produced in 44 Russian in the 1870s. According to Flayderman, about 1000 made. Some were stamped with a bear on the left side of the frame, under the cylinder. It seems to be no more than "hear-say" that the bear is associated with California Militia. Others suggest a California dealer or even that it's because of the 44 Russian caliber, thus, the Russian bear. I've invested 2 days with Google, using "California militia", scanning online museum records & newspaper articles from 1870 up, scanning for Forehand & Wadsworth, to no avail. Of course, if any factory records exist, I've seen nothing on that either. Has anyone out there seen anything verifiable in print regarding the reason for the "bear" stamping? I know "lots a luck". Thanks!!
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