Civil War Bacon Revolver with Inscription Inside Grip, “Killed an Indian in 1868” /SOLD
Bacon Pocket Model Revolver, made circa 1860 in Norwich, Connecticut. Thomas K. Bacon was the founder of the company and was also involved with the Manhattan Firearms Co. as the superintendent. He also had business dealings with Ethan Allen and Allen & Thurber. When Manhattan moved their operation away from Norwich, Bacon left the company to stay behind and work on his own firearms manufacturing company. Part of Bacon’s contract with Manhattan included a “no-compete” clause that he would have been in violation of if the heads of Manhattan had bothered to sign the agreement. Nevertheless, they still took him to court with no official judgement recorded. Bacon’s arms were popular on the commercial market, and many made their way onto Civil War battlefields upon being privately purchased by soldiers. The overall condition of this specimen is very good with original markings legible, factory engraving is strong, original wood grips with traces of varnish and three notches cut into the wood. The action is excellent, and the bore is in good condition. A pencil inscription on the inside of the grips reads ‘this gun was bought in 1861 for $16.00. H. Stanton killed an Indian with this gun Nov. 2nd 1868.” A great Civil War revolver with an intriguing history.
Inventory Number: HAN 188 / SOLD