What the Heck was this??

[cooker]

Lil help if at all possible,cleaning out my father in laws closet,tripped across this Sat. nite special,(thats being kind to it)only markings are on top and read "safety hammer" and "Double Action" only other is on hammer "patented April 5,1887.I am sure it isnt THAT old,cause of plastic grips etc,it has an octagonal barrel and is a 2".Anyone have ANY ideas??
.

 

[s&wchad]

"Safety Hammer" was an Iver Johnson trade name.

 

[tops]

It is what it is. Larry

 

[Sportsterguy]

Do believe it's an Iver Johnson.

 

[cooker]

Thanks ,that at least gives me a starting point,think my pa in law refered to it as a "Bulldog".

 

[Alk8944]

Can't really tell too much from your photo, but blowing it up a bit the grips seem to have a owls head on them. If this is correct it is an Iver Johnson "American Bulldog".