Chambered in .38 Rimfire, this revolver features a single-action mechanism, a 5-shot removable fluted cylinder, an exposed spurred hammer, and a spur trigger—characteristic of late 19th-century American civilian pocket revolvers. The top of the barrel is marked “SENTINEL,” with “PAT’D APR. 23 1878” on the left side, referencing a U.S. patent granted to William H. Bliss in 1878.
Revolvers of this type are commonly referred to as “Suicide Specials,” a historical term used for compact, civilian-market pocket revolvers of the period rather than military or police arms. As was typical of American trade revolvers, the manufacturer’s name is not marked on the firearm itself.
Manufactured circa 1873–1887, this revolver represents a genuine example of late 19th-century American pocket revolver production. According to the Canadian Firearms Reference Table (FRT), this model is listed under FRN 126764 and classified as an Antique firearm.
Due to the obsolete status of .38 Rimfire ammunition, this revolver is primarily intended for collection, study, or historical display; if use is intended, consultation with a qualified gunsmith is recommended in advance.
