Please see Stevens, Springfield and Fox gun headings for early catalogs.

Savage was established in Utica, New York in 1895 by Arthur W. Savage, a Jamacan born mechanic. His.303 cal round was based on the model of military cartridges of the day- small calibre, high velocity bottleneck cases.  Known for introducing the hammerless lever-action rifle with an enclosed mechanism, Savage Arms has significantly influenced both sporting and military firearm development.

They were acquired by the Driggs-Seabury Ordnance Co in 1915 and were incorporated as the Savage Arms Corp. two years later. During WWI Savage produced Lewis Machine Guns for the military. In c1916-20 Savage bought the J. Stevens Arms Company which had been associated with Harry Pope, the barrel maker. The Savage Products Distributing Co was formed during 1926. In 1927 Savage bought the Page-Lewis Company. 

Later, Davis-Warner was bought by HD Folsom then traded as Davis-Crescent and in 1930 was bought by Stevens. Savage/Stevens continued to make “Crescent Guns-Norwich, CT” until 1934- after that “Crescent, Chicopee Falls, MA”. In c1928-30 Savage bought the AH Fox company.

Historical Milestones

• 1893: Taken over by H&D Folsom Arms Co. 

• 1853-1854: Bacon & Co.

• 1855: Name changed to Bacon Manufacturing Co.

• 1858: Name changed to Bacon Arms Co.

• 1888: Bankrupt. All production stopped. 

• 1890: Amos Cobb, Receiver died. All tools and fixtures sold to George W. Cilly. 

• 1892: Plant becomes Crescent Firearms Co.

• 1899: Introduction of the Model 1899 lever-action rifle, featuring a rotary magazine with a cartridge counter, setting new standards in firearm design.

• 1920: Acquisition of J. Stevens Arms Company, expanding Savage’s product line and manufacturing capabilities.

• 1930: Bought by J. Stevens Arms Co. (Savage owned Stevens since c1924) name changed to Crescent-Davis Arms Corp.

• 1938: Contracted to produce the Thompson Submachine Gun, contributing to military efforts during World War II.

Our Collection

We offer meticulously reproduced reprints of Savage Arms’ historical catalogs and manuals, providing enthusiasts and collectors with authentic insights into the company’s storied past. These publications serve as valuable resources for understanding the evolution of Savage firearms and their impact on shooting sports and defense.

Explore our selection of Savage Arms historical publications to connect with the rich heritage of this esteemed firearms manufacturer.