Were Revolvers Common in Victorian Britain?

The iconic partnership of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson often featured the duo having easy access to revolvers. But how typical was it for civilians in Victorian Britain to own such firearms? This article delves into the prevalence of revolvers among the civilian population during this era.

The Context of Revolver Ownership in Victorian Britain

Let's examine the context of revolver ownership in Victorian Britain.

Dr. Watson and His Revolver

Dr. Watson, a former army officer, carried a revolver, which was common for military personnel. These officers were often required to purchase their own sidearms. This meant that Watson had ready access to a revolver because of his military background, a factor that does not necessarily represent the broader civilian population.

Sherlock Holmes and His Firearms

Sherlock Holmes, on the other hand, had a need for firearms and did not face any strict restrictions on owning them. This again, does not reflect the typical scenario for the average civilian in Victorian Britain.

Firearm Ownership Statistics in Victorian Britain

While there were few restrictions on firearm ownership during this period, it doesn't mean that widespread ownership was common. Unfortunately, there are no concrete statistics on the number of civilians owning firearms. However, circumstantial evidence suggests that fewer than 5% of the population owned firearms, let alone revolvers.

The Availability of Firearms in Victorian Britain

Despite the low percentage, it's important to note that firearms were still obtainable. The Industrial Revolution, which began in England, saw a rapid technological advancement in manufacturing. This meant that revolvers, although not as common as today, were available to those who could afford them.

Cost of Owning a Revolver

A revolver was not an inexpensive item. For a gentleman with an income of 100 pounds or more, 6 shillings for a revolver might have been considered a fair sum. However, for a working-class individual, 6 shillings was a considerable amount, making it a luxury item.

Prevalence among Working-Class Individuals

While it is possible that a working-class criminal could steal enough money to afford a revolver, this was not the norm. Unlike in America, where firearms were frequently used, British criminals relied more on other weapons. The police were not commonly armed, and there was a tendency for courts to impose harsher sentences if a firearm was involved in a crime.

Regulations and Permits

There was no requirement for a permit or license to own a revolver, provided it was kept at home. This is a somewhat relative statement. For an upper-class individual, the cost of a small fee would not be a significant burden. However, for a working-class individual, the cost of owning a revolver could mean a struggle to make ends meet.

Social and Economic Context

Victorian Britain was marked by significant social and economic disparities. Poverty was rampant, and the workhouses were often seen as worse than prisons. There were no social welfare programs to support the unemployed, leading to the harsh reality that one could starve or be forced into workhouses.

Conclusion

The frequency of revolver ownership among civilians in Victorian Britain reflects the broader economic and social conditions of the time. While military personnel like Dr. Watson had firearms, the general civilian population had limited access to and ownership of revolvers. The Industrial Revolution brought some technological advancement, but affordability remained a significant barrier for the working class.