The Hound of the Baskervilles (1939)

The Hound of the Baskervilles Original Theatrical Poster Country USA Directed by Sidney Lanfield Release Date 1939 Studio Twentieth Century Fox Main Cast Character Actor Sherlock Holmes Basil Rathbone Dr. Watson Nigel Bruce Sir Henry Baskerville Richard Greene Beryl Stapleton Wendy Barrie John Stapleton Morton Lowry Dr. James Mortimer Lionel Atwill Barryman John Carradine Frankland Barlowe Borland

The Hound of the Baskervilles is an American 1939 screen adaptation of the famous detective novel by Arthur Conan Doyle, directed by Sidney Lanfield and starring Basil Rathbone as Sherlock Holmes and Nigel Bruce as Dr. Watson. This movie marks the first of fourteen Sherlock Holmes films starring Rathbone and Bruce as Holmes and Watson.

The following weapons were used in the film The Hound of the Baskervilles:

Revolvers

Colt 1878 Double Action

Dr. Watson (Nigel Bruce) uses a Colt 1878 Double Action revolver in the scene in Baskerville Hall. During the following hunt for the escaped convict same looking revolver (possibly same prop reused) is seen in hands of Sir Henry Baskerville (Richard Greene) (and Watson's gun switches to a Colt 1878 Philippine model revolver). Sherlock Holmes (Basil Rathbone) uses a Colt 1878 when he and Watson fire at the hound.

Colt 1878 Double Action - .45 Colt

Watson readies his revolver when he investigating the suspicious activities of the butler Barryman in Baskerville Hall.

He cocks the hammer.

Watson aims his revolver.

Sir Henry holds a Colt 1878.

Holmes fires at the Hound of the Baskervilles.

Dr. Watson with Colt 1878-1902 and Sir Henry Baskerville with Colt 1878 on a promotional image.

Colt 1878-1902 Philippine Model

During the hunt for escaped convict, Dr. Watson's revolver switches to a Colt 1878-1902 Philippine Model, a U.S. Army issued version of Colt 1878 Double Action (this revolver is also incorrectly referred as "Alaskan Model"), identified by its larger trigger guard. Same revolver is used by Stapleton (Morton Lowry).

Colt 1878-1902 Philippine Model - .45 Colt

Watson holds a Colt 1878-1902, identified by large trigger guard. Next to him Sir Henry holds a common Colt 1878.

Another view of the same scene.

Watson puts the revolver in the chest pocket of coat.

Watson tries to ambush a mysterions person, hiding in the moor.

He aims the revolver at this man.

Watson fires at the Hound of the Baskervilles.

Stapleton holds his revolver (possibly same prop, previously hold by Watson) during the final confrontation with Holmes.

Dr. Watson with Colt 1878-1902 and Sir Henry Baskerville with Colt 1878 on a promotional image.

Iver Johnson Bulldog

When Stapleton (Morton Lowry) stalks Sir Henry Baskerville in London, he draws a compact revolver that appears to be an Iver Johnson Bulldog revolver in .38 (most likely) or .32 caliber. Note: this revolver is often referred as U.S. Revolver Co. production, but this company was a subsidiary of Iver Johnson.

Iver Johnson Bulldog, production of U.S. Revolver Co. - .32

Stapleton draws his revolver, planning to shoot Sir Henry from a cab.

He aims... but still doesn't fire.

The bore is large enough for .38 caliber.

Trivia

Colt revolvers

Colt revolvers are seen on promotional images in hands of Holmes and Watson. Watson's revolver is very likely a Colt Pocket Positive, while Holmes' one looks larger and may be a Colt Police Positive. Both revolvers doesn't appear in the movie.

Colt Police Positive with 4" Barrel - .38 Special

Colt Pocket Positive - .32 Colt New Police.Photo courtesy of http://www.coltautos.com

Sherlock Holmes (Basil Rathbone) with a Colt revolver on a promotional image.

Dr. Watson (Nigel Bruce) holds a Colt revolver on a promotional image.