Original Item: Only One Available. Here is a very cute .31 caliber percussion revolver with a fluted five shot cylinder made by the Bacon Manufacturing Company. Thomas K. Bacon had been a gunsmith working with the Manhattan Firearms Manufacturing, and then left to found his own company Company and established the Bacon Manufacturing Company in Norwich, Connecticut. The first pistol that they marketed was the fully engraved .31cal "Excelsior" model pistol, with a round cylinder and barrel. Shortly after that model came Bacon's "2nd Model", which is the only version to have the fluted cylinder, like this example has. They were available in 4, 6, and 8 inch barrel lengths.

This find example has the standard standard BACON MFG. CO. NORWICH CONN. marking on the top of the 4 inch barrel, and is 8 1/2 inches in overall length, perfect for a pocket. Approximately 3300 of the 2nd model were made, but only 1400 had the Bacon address. There is no engraving on the frame, as sometimes seen on special order examples. The revolver bears matching serial number 905 on the Grip frame, Cylinder rear, Loading Rammer, Barrel, Barrel wedge, and even on the retainer for the loading rammer. This is a very desirable "ALL MATCHING" example, and it's a great one!

These revolvers were great favorites with Union Officers, who purchased these as a personal second revolver to take into battle. They were easily concealed and most effective, giving the officer an additional 5 shots when needed.

The action works quite nicely, with a good cylinder lock up and a crisp dry fire. As with any revolver of this age however, it can be finicky at times. If the hammer is pulled back slowly it indexes fine, but if the hammer is pulled back quickly, the cylinder can over rotate.

The barrel shows crisp rifling with a mostly bright finish, and just some scattered light fouling. Definitely a great barrel. The cap nipples are present and clear, though one is cracked and broken. Nice old finish, the blue turning to plum brown and gray. The original grips are quite nice, and still retain almost all of the original factory varnished finish.

A great Civil War Private Purchase revolver, ready to display!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: circa 1860
Caliber:  .31cal
Ammunition Type: Cap and Ball
Barrel Length: 4 inches
Overall Length: 8 3/4 inches
Action: Single Only
Feed System: 5 Shot Revolver

NOTE: International orders of antique firearms MUST be shipped using UPS WW Services (courier). USPS Priority Mail international will not accept these. International customers should always consult their country's antique gun laws prior to ordering.