Did some research on an old revolver...

[GBuck]

I have had, for quite some time a 7 shot revolver. I would describe it as a pocket pistol, but I believe the proper term is a Muff Gun. It shoots .22 Short. I have never known the make, age or anything about this revolver, I don't even remember where I got it.

I did a decent amount of research today, and I figured out what it is.

The top of the frame is engraved with "Bonanza", and after numerous searches I could not find it. Finally, I got the right combination of words and got a hit on it. Turns out, "Bonanza" is a trademark name for BACON ARMS CO. from Connecticut. I laughed hysterically and could not believe it.

Further research showed me that this company existed from 1863-1868.


Anyone have any info on this revolver or it's worth or anything? It does have a lot of rust, but for gun that is over 120+ years old, I think that is to be expected. There is also engraving over a good portion of the gun. I do not know if the grips are ivory or fake.

Link to the site I found some info on:
American Firearms

 

[Plinkuh]

"Bonanza" is a trademark name for BACON ARMS CO. from Connecticut. I laughed hysterically and could not believe it.

Bacon Arms FTW!!!

 

[sparkyfender]

Looks like one of the inexpensive house guns or vest guns that were made in large numbers during the 19th century.

I don't think they have a great $ value, but are certainly great heirlooms and conversation starters. This one looks very cool.

I'm sure someone will come along have much better info......

Congrats!!

 

[T.Lex]

hehn hehn

A muff gun from Bacon....

Wish I could help - I love the mysteries of old firearms (and books). Good luck!

(In some quick google-fu, it looks like the City of Chicago considers them "unsafe." Whatever that means.)

 

[GBuck]

hehn hehn

A muff gun from Bacon....

Wish I could help - I love the mysteries of old firearms (and books). Good luck!

(In some quick google-fu, it looks like the City of Chicago considers them "unsafe." Whatever that means.)

There are many MODERN DAY commonly carried guns that Chicago deems unsafe. If I remember correclty, there were colts, sigs and keltecs on there.

 

[Plinkuh]

What do you suspect the grips are made of?

 

[GBuck]

Well, to be honest, I just took them off after you asked, and I think they're ivory. They make a very unique sound when tapped together. On the inside of the grip, I scraped away some of the "grime" for lack of a better word, and it has that grainy glossy look to it too.

 

[Plinkuh]

Well, to be honest, I just took them off after you asked, and I think they're ivory. They make a very unique sound when tapped together. On the inside of the grip, I scraped away some of the "grime" for lack of a better word, and it has that grainy glossy look to it too.

Hmmm, if they're real ivory, that's awesome!

 

[GBuck]

Hmmm, if they're real ivory, that's awesome!

agreed.. I'm by no means an expert though.

 

[GBuck]

I think a gun that is somewhere between 130 and 150 years old is pretty awesome either way. lol

 

[Plinkuh]

I think a gun that is somewhere between 130 and 150 years old is pretty awesome either way. lol

Oh, definitely!

 

[UncleMike]

Your revolver was made by BACON ARMS CO of Norwich CN sometime between 1862-1891.
Bonanza was just one of their trade names for the "inexpensive" revolvers.
Other names used were Conqueror, Express, Gem, Governor, Guardian, and Little Giant.
Collector value is low since they were also known as "Suicide Specials".
Current listed values are:
Exc. $295.00
V.G. $225.00
Good $200.00
Fair $75.00
Poor $50.00

Source = 2010 Standard Catalog of Firearms.

 

[GBuck]

Your revolver was made by BACON ARMS CO of Norwich CN sometime between 1862-1891.
Bonanza was just one of their trade names for the "inexpensive" revolvers.
Other names used were Conqueror, Express, Gem, Governor, Guardian, and Little Giant.
Collector value is low since they were also known as "Suicide Specials".
Current listed values are:
Exc. $295.00
V.G. $225.00
Good $200.00
Fair $75.00
Poor $50.00

Source = 2010 Standard Catalog of Firearms.

Thanks for the info!

 

[UncleMike]

Thanks for the info!

You're welcome.

I normally charge $50.00 for research and the report but since you're a fellow PW I'll give you this one.