Skip to main content

Bacon 'Excelsior' .31-Caliber Percussion Pocket Revolver Treasured by Inheritor

This First Model 'Excelsior' .31-caliber percussion pocket revolver was made by Bacon Manufacturing Company of Norwich, Connecticut, between 1858 and 1867.

Bacon 'Excelsior' .31-Caliber Percussion Pocket Revolver Treasured by Inheritor

Bacon Excelsior, First Model, .31 cal.

Question: I have a pistol that was handed down to me by my uncle. It was originally owned by my great grandfather who lived in central Georgia and worked as a blacksmith. The maker is “BACON”, and a Google search showed the company manufactured a number of arms in the mid-to-late 1800s. The condition seems to be typical of wear and age. My family has always owned items to use and not for show. It is a .31-caliber ball-and-cap, and there is a “92” number under the grips. My uncle was, perhaps, the last person to actually fire it when he was a kid. I have attached a picture of my great grandfather on the far left standing next to a woman who I believe was his sister. It shows her holding a revolver that I think may be the same pistol. I am curious to find out everything I can about this revolver, and was hopeful you might share what you may know. Value is not my objective; I doubt it will ever be sold. 

 -T.A. via Email 

Bacon 'Excelsior' .31-Caliber Percussion Pocket Revolver Treasured by Inheritor
Beside the inheritor's great-grandfather (far left), stands a woman holding a revolver that the inheritor believes is the same pistol in question.

Answer: A moderate number of .31-caliber percussion pocket revolvers were made by the Bacon Manufacturing Company of Norwich, Connecticut, between 1858 and 1867. While about 1,400 were sold with “BACON” markings, they were also offered with the names of other dealers. Yours is a First Model, also known as the “Excelsior.” It has an engraved cylinder scene, a feature that was lacking on the Second Model. Barrel lengths were 4, 5, and 6 inches. Both round and octagonal barrels were used, the former being the most common. 

-Garry James

Current Magazine Cover

Enjoy articles like this?

Subscribe to the magazine.

Get access to everything Guns & Ammo has to offer.
Subscribe to the Magazine

GET THE NEWSLETTER Join the List and Never Miss a Thing.

Recommended Articles

Recent Videos

Meet the Stoeger STR-9 Micro Compact. Slim carry for less than $400!
Rifles

Gemtech GVAC

Meet the Stoeger STR-9 Micro Compact. Slim carry for less than $400!
Handguns

SDS Imports Tisas PX-9 Affordable Defensive Pistol

Meet the Stoeger STR-9 Micro Compact. Slim carry for less than $400!
Handguns

Walther PDP Professional Law Enforcement Exclusive Duty Pistol

Meet the Stoeger STR-9 Micro Compact. Slim carry for less than $400!
Rifles

Rossi R95 30-30 Hunting and Plinking Lever Action Rifle

Meet the Stoeger STR-9 Micro Compact. Slim carry for less than $400!
Accessories

Safariland IncogX IWB Holster: Editorial Roundtable 2023

Meet the Stoeger STR-9 Micro Compact. Slim carry for less than $400!
Rifles

New Colt CBX Tac Hunter Premium Hunting Rifle

Meet the Stoeger STR-9 Micro Compact. Slim carry for less than $400!
Optics

Bushell Match Pro ED 15x56 Binoculars: Editorial Roundtable 2023

Meet the Stoeger STR-9 Micro Compact. Slim carry for less than $400!
Optics

First Look: Trijicon RMR HD & RCR

Meet the Stoeger STR-9 Micro Compact. Slim carry for less than $400!
Handguns

Guns & Ammo Magazine: September 2023 Issue

Meet the Stoeger STR-9 Micro Compact. Slim carry for less than $400!
Handguns

Springfield Armory Echelon: First Look

Meet the Stoeger STR-9 Micro Compact. Slim carry for less than $400!
Handgun

Guns & Ammo Magazine: August 2023 Issue

Meet the Stoeger STR-9 Micro Compact. Slim carry for less than $400!
Handgun

Guns & Ammo Magazine: July 2023 Issue

Guns and Ammo Magazine Covers Print and Tablet Versions

GET THE MAGAZINE Subscribe & Save

Digital Now Included!

SUBSCRIBE NOW

Give a Gift   |   Subscriber Services

PREVIEW THIS MONTH'S ISSUE

Buy Digital Single Issues

Magazine App Logo

Don't miss an issue.
Buy single digital issue for your phone or tablet.

Buy Single Digital Issue on the Guns & Ammo App

Other Magazines

See All Other Magazines

Special Interest Magazines

See All Special Interest Magazines

GET THE NEWSLETTER Join the List and Never Miss a Thing.

Get the top Guns & Ammo stories delivered right to your inbox every week.

Phone Icon

Get Digital Access.

All Guns and Ammo subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets.

To get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine.

Get Digital Access

Not a Subscriber?
Subscribe Now

Enjoying What You're Reading?

Get a Full Year
of Guns & Ammo
& Digital Access.

Offer only for new subscribers.

Subscribe Now