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Thames Arms .38 S&W Top break revolver info

10K views 4 replies 4 participants last post by  One Shot 
#1 ·
Hey all,
I just purchased a Thames Arms .38 S&W top break hammer model revolver and cannot find any info on this company. It looks a lot like my Hopkins and Allen top break. Here is what I can read off the top of the barrel: THAMES ARMS CO
NORWICH, CT. U.S.A. PAT SEPT 24 88
SN: 2200
The number "4" and "88" are guesses due to wear blurring the numbers. The serial number is also on the cylinder face, besides under the left grip. It's nickel plated, has fleur-de-li (the New Orleans Saints emblem-sorry about the spelling) on the top of the hard rubber grips, and in pretty nice condition. It appears functional, but I will have it checked out before I shoot it. any info on when it was made, and the company in general will be greatly appreciated.

Tony
 
#2 ·
There's no consensus about who made top-break revolvers marked Thames Arms Co, and I find it attributed to both Hopkins & Allen and Harrington & Richardson. An online search finds examples with contrasting design features and different grip logos, which suggests Thames was only a retail brand name used on guns made by several manufacturers.

This must be your type, with the fleur-de-lieu grips? (scroll down)
https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/34498411_thames-arms-co-38-caliber-revolver

This one matches Hopkins & Allen features:
http://www.icollector.com/Thames-Arms-Co-Pistol_i9687461

And here's one in an 1896 Sears catalog that shows a removable side plate and looks like a Smith & Wesson!

Gun Revolver Firearm Trigger Starting pistol
 
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