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Sherlock Holmes (2009)
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Sherlock Holmes is the 2009 feature film adaptation of the famous literary character created by author Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Directed by Guy Ritchie, the film stars Robert Downey Jr. as the legendary detective and Jude Law as his assistant Watson. The weapons were supplied by UK-based movie armourers Bapty and Co. (with stunt versions by Tarver Productions). The sequel Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows was released in 2011.
The following weapons were used in the film Sherlock Holmes (2009):
WARNING! THIS PAGE CONTAINS SPOILERS!
Revolvers
Webley No. 5 "Express" Revolver
Sherlock Holmes' (Robert Downey Jr.) revolver, though of a style colloquially termed a 'Webley RIC' (after 'Royal Irish Constabulary'), is technically a Webley No.5 'Express' model by the same maker. This was available from the 1880s onwards in either .360 or .38 caliber. Holmes' has a 4" barrel, an early-style deeply-fluted cylinder (deeper front-to-rear than either the Bulldog or the true RIC), and a contoured frame at the lower edge ahead of the trigger guard. It also features a flattened swivel-type rammer, squared-off butt with lanyard ring, and a nickel finish.
Holmes carries it in the sewers beneath Parliament, and Irene Adler (Rachel McAdams) uses some of his cartridges to improvise a demolition charge. Later, during the fight on the bridge, she pulls it on Lord Blackwood (Mark Strong), who knocks it out of her hand, then picks it up and tries to shoot Holmes with it.
Webley Bulldog
Several characters in the film employ Webley Bulldog Revolvers. Based upon their short 2.5" barrels and lack of a rammer/ejector, those wielded by Dr. John Watson (Jude Law) and American Ambassador Standish (William Hope) are most likely to be No.3 'R.I.C.' models in .442 calibre. These weapons fired a black powder cartridge and were gate loaders, unlike the later and more memorable "top break" Webleys.
Pryse revolver
On the carriage ride to the "raid" in the opening scene of the movie, Inspector Lestrade (Eddie Marsan) can be seen loading a Pryse patent revolver. Based upon the form of the front part of the frame, it is most likely the model of 1877, and may be a Webley-built gun, or any number of licencees and copyists.
Enfield Mark II Revolver
A henchman disarmed by Holmes in the opening scene is armed with an Enfield Mk II .476 caliber revolver with its distinctive lower frame, designed to accommodate a cylinder which slides forward to allow reloading.
Belgian Bulldog Pocket Revolver
It appears that Irene Adler (Rachel McAdams) uses a Belgian Pocket Revolver with foldable trigger and what appears to be pearl grips. The screen-used piece is in an unknown caliber, but .38 is likely based on the frame size. An image of the resin/rubber stunt versions used in the movie can be seen at the Tarver Productions website (link below).
Webley Mk I
A police constable can be seen wielding the Webley Mk I revolver. The actual police sidearms of 1891 were the older Webley M.P. Model in .450 Adams. They are partially supplemented by the Army issue Webley Mark I (in .442 Enfield).
Nagant M1895
The Russian Nagant M1895 revolver is used by Sherlock Holmes when he "draws" on the wall by shooting "VR" monogram. This would normally allow the weapon to be effectively suppressed due to the Nagant's gas seal design. However, Holmes' homemade suppressor seems to be ineffective, as it can be heard booming throughout the apartment, possibly due to the improperly-fitted gas seal of a homemade design. This type of weapon is anachronistic for this film, seeing as it is set in 1891; apparently M1895 stands in for the earlier Nagant models, such as M1887. The prop used was a 1941 Tula-made example.
Trivia: The initials stand for "Victoria Regina" (better known as Queen Victoria, or Queen Alexandrina Victoria), the monarch that ruled the United Kingdom during the time period this movie is set in (i.e. 1891). This habit of Holmes's is referenced in the story "The Adventure of the Musgrave Ritual", and also reproduced in Season 1 of the series Sherlock.
Pistols
Howdah Pistol
The Home Secretary, Lord Coward (Hans Matheson) has a large-caliber (most likely .577) centerfire Howdah Pistol by one of the usual makers (e.g. famed shotgun makers Purdey).
C. Sharps Pepperbox
Professor Moriarty (actor's identity unknown) is seen deploying, from a concealed wrist-mounted rig, an Uberti replica of C. Sharps patent Model 1A four-barreled pepperbox type pistol in .22 rimfire with engraved brass frame. It's interesting, that an Uberti replica of Sharps Pepperbox was used in another Holmes movie - The Hound of The Baskervilles in 1988.
Shotguns
Winchester 1887
In the carriage in the beginning, a police constable is briefly seen loading a Winchester Model 1887.
