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

Eric Poole and Tom Beckstrand test the Aimpoint Acro P-2 against one of red dot sights' biggest myths: distance.  Facing...
Videos - News - Industry

Guns & Ammo Magazine: March 2023 Issue

Eric Poole and Tom Beckstrand test the Aimpoint Acro P-2 against one of red dot sights' biggest myths: distance.  Facing...
Rifles

New Stocky's Rifle Stocks for 2023

Eric Poole and Tom Beckstrand test the Aimpoint Acro P-2 against one of red dot sights' biggest myths: distance.  Facing...
Rifles

New for 2023: Christensen Arms Modern Hunting Rifle (MHR)

Eric Poole and Tom Beckstrand test the Aimpoint Acro P-2 against one of red dot sights' biggest myths: distance.  Facing...
Handguns

New for 2023: All-American RIA 5.0 Sporting Pistol

Eric Poole and Tom Beckstrand test the Aimpoint Acro P-2 against one of red dot sights' biggest myths: distance.  Facing...
Suppressors

New for 2023: FN Rush 9Ti Pistol Suppressor

Eric Poole and Tom Beckstrand test the Aimpoint Acro P-2 against one of red dot sights' biggest myths: distance.  Facing...
Handguns

New Big Bore Pistols for 2023: FN 510 Tactical and FN 545 Tactical

Eric Poole and Tom Beckstrand test the Aimpoint Acro P-2 against one of red dot sights' biggest myths: distance.  Facing...
Rifles

New for 2023: FN SCAR 15P Rifle Caliber Pistol

Eric Poole and Tom Beckstrand test the Aimpoint Acro P-2 against one of red dot sights' biggest myths: distance.  Facing...
Handguns

New for 2023: TaurusTX 22 Compact

Eric Poole and Tom Beckstrand test the Aimpoint Acro P-2 against one of red dot sights' biggest myths: distance.  Facing...
Handguns

First Look: Taurus Raging Hunter 460 Magnum Revolver With 10.5-Inch Barrel

Eric Poole and Tom Beckstrand test the Aimpoint Acro P-2 against one of red dot sights' biggest myths: distance.  Facing...
Handguns

New-for-2023 Taurus Judge Executive Grade 410/.45 Colt Revolver

Eric Poole and Tom Beckstrand test the Aimpoint Acro P-2 against one of red dot sights' biggest myths: distance.  Facing...
Handguns

Smith & Wesson Equalizer and the Brand New M&P 5.7 Pistol

Eric Poole and Tom Beckstrand test the Aimpoint Acro P-2 against one of red dot sights' biggest myths: distance.  Facing...
Optics

Acro Distance Challenge

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

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