Quote:
Originally Posted by char819
We have a Harrington & Richardson top break 32 revolver 6 shot, patent dated April 7, 1898. Mass. USA. Trying to get an idea of how old this gun may be. Thanks.
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It's hard to tell exactly what you have from the info that you provided.
There are about 3-4 possible variations of a Top Break H&R revolvers in 32 caliber that it could be. They can be difficult to figure out.
If you can post some good pictures of it or list everything you can find stamped on it, barrel length, finish (blued or nickel) and anything else worth a mention.
I tried to pin it down by the Patent Date but that didn't work.
They made about 30 different models of top break revolvers between 1885 and 1952. Within the different models are also variations in them that's why it so hard to tell what you have with the info given.
Here's one model it
might be.
AUTOMATIC EJECTING SECOND MODEL (BLACK POWDER)
32 S&W or .38 S&W cal., 5 (.38 S&W cal.) or 6 (.32 S&W cal.) shot, new frame shape and new hard rubber grip panels with target logo, nickel or blue finish, 2½ (rare), 3¼ (standard), 4, 5, or 6 in. barrel, if there is no caliber marking on the left side of the barrel, then it was manufactured for black powder, top of barrel markings include company name and address and patent dates. Mfg. 1890-1904
First Variation; one patent date OCT-4-87 only (1890-1892).
Second Variation one patent date marked OCT-4-1887 (year marked in full) (1890-1892*).
Third Variation three patent dates, Oct-4-1887, May 14 & Aug-6-89 (1893-Only*).
Fourth Variation three patent dates Oct-4-87, May-14 & Aug-6-89 (note 87 date does not have full year markings) (1894-1896*).
Fifth Variation five patent dates Oct-4-87, May 14 & Aug-6-89, April-2-95, April-7-96 (1897-1904*).
*Serial numbers found on the bottom side of the top strap will have letter codes.