Timeline:
- Crescent Arms Co. (formed 1892) of Norwich CT was bought by HD Folsom Co in 1893 (merged with Davis Warner in 1930) then trading as Crescent-Davis until bought by J Stevens in 1932.
- Historical Context: Crescent Fire Arms was initially part of a lineage from the Bacon Arms Company, which evolved through various ownerships and mergers. By 1893, it was acquired by H&D Folsom, a sporting goods firm, and eventually became part of Savage Arms, though its operations under Crescent name continued.
- Production and Reputation: They were prolific, producing over 2 million shotguns under more than 450 different trade names. This mass production under various names was part of their strategy to cater to a wide market. Their shotguns were celebrated for simplicity, durability, and affordability, made with solid materials and effective lock mechanisms, which made them popular among rural and working-class communities.
- Legacy: Even after the company's operations were dissolved in 1935, with its machinery moved to J. Stevens in Chicopee Falls, the shotguns by Crescent have retained collector interest due to their historical significance and quality. They symbolize a piece of American firearms history, reflecting the era's industrial capabilities and the democratization of firearm ownership.
- Cultural Impact: Their shotguns were not just tools but symbols of the American spirit of self-reliance and rugged individualism. Today, they continue to be of interest for collectors and historians, preserving a legacy of how firearms shaped American culture.