Make: Bacon MFG Co. Norwich Conn.

Model: Third Model Pocket (Non-Fluted Cylinder)

Serial Number: FW058

Year of Manufacture: Late 1850s to early 1860s

Caliber: .31 Caliber Ball

Action Type: 5-Shot, Single Action Percussion Revolver

Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “BACON MFG CO. NORWICH CONN.”. The left side of the grip frame is marked “FW058”. The bottom of the barrel assembly, the bottom of the wedge, the rear of the cylinder, and the loading lever are marked with “8”. The cylinder is marked with a roll-engraved multi-scene sequence. 

Barrel Length: 5”, Round

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass bead at the muzzle. The rear sight is a “V”-notch in the nose of the hammer, visible when cocked.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grip is a two-piece smooth walnut set of stocks. The grip has some scattered nicks, scuffs, and scratches. The finish shows wear and light discoloration. There are a couple of more notable dings on the bottom left. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grip is in Very Good condition as Antique.

Type of Finish: Blue and Case Color 

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is dark gray with defined rifling. There is erosion and pitting scattered through the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 5/10.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains less than 5% of its metal finish. The steel parts have gone to a fairly uniform patina. There is scattered minor surface erosion. There are some nicks, scuffs, and scratches. The action shows operational wear. The screw heads are tool marked with usable slots. The markings are generally clear, the scenes range from softened to incomplete. The serial markings on the wedge and loading lever are strong. Overall, this revolver is in about Very Good condition as an Antique.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: A leather holster with floral print.

Our Assessment: Except for the barrel markings, it would be virtually impossible to determine if a particular gun was a third-model percussion revolver of Bacon Mfg. Co. or the round barrel Hopkins and Allen model. Most third-model percussion revolvers have the rolled cylinder scene but no engraving; this is again indicative of the cost-cutting procedures involved with later Bacon Mfg. Co. production. It is believed that substantially less than 1,000 third-model percussion revolvers were produced. The style of the roll die marking on the cylinder of Bacon Mfg. Co. percussion revolvers, as well as Manhattan revolvers and Hopkins and Allen percussion revolvers, are interesting: they all have the same cylinder scene! Either the roll die was designed and owned by Thomas Bacon or one taken by him when he left Manhattan or the scene was rolled on a custom basis outside of the plant. In any event, all three companies used the very same cylinder scene. This is an extremely rare pocket piece and shows us another link in the evolutionary chain of firearms and their patents. This revolver has almost 5% of its original finish but all of its physical faculties. Come hold history in your hands as this elusive revolver may be the only one you get a shot at.