HandGun ID

[wjmst]

My friend was looking through some boxes from her grandfather and came across a handgun. Attached is a picture of it. Anybody have any idea where I can find some information about this gun?

.22 shorts fit in it.
.22L will probably fit as well but didn't have any of those to try.
.22LR do not fit.
It holds 7 rounds and is single action.

The only markings that I can find is the following. I think it reads "ATD Dec 1978 Conqueror".

I know her grandfather was a Mason, so maybe some type of gun from them or something.

Any thoughts or ideas where I might go for some more information?
Thanks
Wes

 

[g0rd0]

I dont have a clue too who made it. But, if you say that 22L probably fit common sense says that they will not, should not and may make fast modifacations to your hand if you do jam a 22L in there and fire it.
It looks like a nice piece and I would be off to see a good gun smith to id it, and inspect it before I put any 22 be it bb cap, short or long.
Keep us informed I am currious as to who made it and when.

 

[g0rd0]

I just did a google on it.
It looks as if your reading was off. Try Conqueror PAT. Dec. 10, '78 and on the other side of the frame may be Manufactured by Bacon Arms Co.
It (the 22 cal conqueror), is 22 short not long, (they also made a 32 short rf).
I got this info from American firearms American-Firearms or American-Firearm
The Bacon arms co. was in Norwich Connecticut from 1863 to 1888, in 1888 Crescent Arms Co. purchased the machinery of Bacon Arms, it was Bacon's 3rd company.
I hope that this is correct and that it has helped you. BUT, my advice is to NOT fire it! It may not be able to withstand the preasure generated from modern ammunition.

 

[RoyJackson]

It does look like one of the vest pocket pistols from the late 1800's to early 1900's.

 

[wjmst]

Thanks for the information. It sure does look like the gun made by the Bacon Arms Co. I suppose the best bet is to take it to a professional.

The only concern there is, I am not sure what the laws are about registration and stuff. I wouldn't even know where to tell her to look for registration papers or anything. I know she doesn't have a permit to carry handguns either.

Maybe just take the picture of the gun to the professional and see what they say?

Thanks

 

[dusty3030]

Thanks for the information. It sure does look like the gun made by the Bacon Arms Co. I suppose the best bet is to take it to a professional.

The only concern there is, I am not sure what the laws are about registration and stuff. I wouldn't even know where to tell her to look for registration papers or anything. I know she doesn't have a permit to carry handguns either.

Maybe just take the picture of the gun to the professional and see what they say?

Thanks

Not totally familiar with your local laws, but gun is probably pre 1898 and not even considered a "firearm" by Federal law.

 

[RoyJackson]

Thanks for the information. It sure does look like the gun made by the Bacon Arms Co. I suppose the best bet is to take it to a professional.

The only concern there is, I am not sure what the laws are about registration and stuff. I wouldn't even know where to tell her to look for registration papers or anything. I know she doesn't have a permit to carry handguns either.

Maybe just take the picture of the gun to the professional and see what they say?

Thanks

PA is pretty firearms friendly. I've carried guns to shops occasionaly with no problems. You do not need a permit to transport a firearm. You do need a permit if you're going to carry a concealed loaded firearm for personal protection.
Although you must fill out the Federal form 4473 (I think that's the form number) when you purchase a firearm, there is no registration in PA otherwise.
So, just carry the gun to the gunshop for them to check out. Before you spend any money, try to find out if there is any collector value. Some old guns are collectables, some aren't.

 

[Gary Fowler]

Not being a firearms expert, I cant say much about the gun, but being a Mason, I can tell you that if has nothing to do with the Masonic Lodge in form or ritual.
I think Roy is right, its an old pocket derringer type pistol favored by the riverboat gamblers. 5 shot .22 short is plenty of fire power to discourage an attack from 4-5 feet away.

 

[EarPlug]

From The Official Gun Digest Book of Guns & Prices it was cheap gun know as "Suicide Specials" and is worth from Very Good $350 to Poor $75.

Jack



The Official Gun Digest Book of Guns ... - Dan Shideler - Google Books

 

[bigtiller]

Thanks for the information. It sure does look like the gun made by the Bacon Arms Co. I suppose the best bet is to take it to a professional.

The only concern there is, I am not sure what the laws are about registration and stuff. I wouldn't even know where to tell her to look for registration papers or anything. I know she doesn't have a permit to carry handguns either.

Maybe just take the picture of the gun to the professional and see what they say?

Thanks

Take the gun, not just a picture. A good gunsmith can clean and repair it to insure it is working and will tell you everything you want to know about it. He may also advise you to put it on the shelf to look at, and never use it.

Also, put it in a paper sack before you walk into the store with it.
Sometimes people get nervous when they see a gun in a strangers hand and you can bet that the guy behind the counter has at least one gun on him and a few more very handy,,, and all are fully loaded and ready for action.