Norwich Arms revolver

SH_Barr

I am trying to research information on a women's revolver found in my cousin's estate for appraisal purposes. It is a 38 model, and the patent date is April 28 1870. Any idea where I might find out what it could be worth? Any help would be greatly appreciated. I found something similar online and it looks like it has a Tiffany handle, but it is not in the best of shape.

rufe-snow

The only reference I could find for "Norwich Arms", is that it was one of the many Trade Names, used by the Crescent Arms Company. Unfortunately it was used on their shotgun, rather then on a handgun.

Norwich Connecticut was a center of the arms trade in 19th Century, New England. A number of other firms making inexpensive utility firearms, beside Crescent were located there.

It's possible one of these other companies made the revolver your inquiring about. Best thing would be to post quality photos of it, somebody might recognize it, and be able to provide additional information.

captkirk3@dslextreme.com

Norwich Lock Mfg. Company...aka Norwich Arms Company, Norwich, Conn., about 1873-1877 and later. Makers of Union Jack, International, and other cartridge revolvers. It is believed that the firm is Identical with the Hood Fire Arms Co., of Norwich Conn.....Condition is everything...The information on Norwich is from American Gun Makers by Satterlee & Gluckman...If it still works and looks like its complete I'd estimate the value at...$100.00...The better the condition the more its worth.....

b.goforth

the hogg & weeks book 'pistol of the world' has a section on norwich pistol co. also called norwich falles pistols company. basically it says operated as norwich pistol co 1875-1881 and norwich falls pistol co. 1881-1887. the cities of norwich and norwich falls are both located in connecticut. some of their products were marked with patents issued to w.h. bliss who was credited with being the factory superintent. there seem to have been a connection (money wise) to 'maltby, henly & co.' (later known as maltby, curtis & co.).

hogg & weeks also states norwich was one of the largest suppliers of brand name revolver, rivaling Hood and Hopkins & Allen in the different brand names used. my own research has turned up 40 different names used by norwich/norwich falls pistol co.

i could not locate a firearms patent with the 4-28-70 date but i did find two for 4-26-70 both of these patents are connected to Perry & Goddard and E.C. Renwick. who were early manufacturer of firearms. flayderman list Renwick arms as the manufacturer of the perry & goddard two shot derringer. i do not know if these comapnies have a connection or not.

i would suggest you look closer at the patent date, could it possible be april 23, 1878. this is a date of one of patents issued to w.h. bliss
bill