19th Century revolver catalog pages

 

19th century Revolver Advertising never fails to amuse!!!

 Prior to 1900, life for the average person living in America  was extremely difficult and nothing at all like today.

 Feral dogs roamed in packs and when mass production made  the bicycle affordable, more people were able to pedal further and expand their "world", but also increase their chances of facing dangerous situations during a time when an infected cut may be lethal.

Today, some ads like the first one here would cause outrage among the public, but in 1880, it would have been perfectly normal and understandable.

19th Century Revolver & Pistol Catalog Advertising

 In the USA, Between 1870 and 1900 there was a surge in firearm development and methods of mass production were also perfected. 

Here are a few examples of civilian self-defense revolvers available to the public during the last quarter of the 19th century....

The next ad is for Colt's "New Line" Revolvers, of which I own one of the .32 cal. rimfire models. The .32 cal is the top right in the advertisement and the price was $11.

Some of my favorite 19th century American pistol & revolver advertising catalogs...

The revolver on the top left is a Norwich Pistol Co. "PROTECTOR" , just like the one which I own, and the "Charles J. Godfrey" Wholesale price list is dated :August 1, 1889.