Harrington and Richardson Top Break Revolver .32

[b.goforth]

having trouble opening the pdf file you sent so will try to identify from the description alone.

appears to be a first model Premier (small frame) 32 S&W caliber, large frames will have a 3 1/4 inch barrel. could be a 3rd, 4th or 5th variation made between 1897 and 1904, check the bottom side of the top strap and see if the serial number in that location has a letter code prefix.

mother of pearl grips were a factory option and will have a serial number on the back side. if no serial number on back side then they were put on after the gun was purchased.

H&R PREMER FIRST MODEL SMALL FRAME TOP BREAK
(BLACK POWDER)-----------------------------1895-1904
Small fame double action top break revolver with double top post barrel latch; calibers and cylinder capacity, 22 rimfire-7 rounds, 32 centerfire-5 rounds; Free wheeling cylinder (no automatic cylinder stop); standard finish Nickel with case harden hammer and barrel latch; standard barrel length 3 inches, with 4, 5 and 6 inches available as optional; features a scaled down version of the new frame and double action mechanism introduced in 1890 on the Auto-Ejecting Second Model, does not have caliber marking on left
NO CALIBER MARKINGS ON LEFT SIDE OF BARREL MANUFACTURED FOR BLACK POWDER CARTRIDGE PRESSURES
First Variation, patent dates 10-4-87, 5-14-89, 2-23-92, serial number range 01*-15,000 (estimate)------------------1895-April 1896
Second Variation, patent dates 10-4-87, 5-14-89, 4-2-95, 4-7-96, serial number range 15,000*-20,000* (estimate)----------------May 1896
Third Variation, patent dates 10-4-87, 4-2-95, 4-7-96, serial number range 20,000* to 100,000* (estimate) --------1897-1898
Fourth Variation, automatic cylinder stop same patent dates as 3rd variation several different serial number series that may have letter codes ---1899-1903
Fifth Variation use different font in barrel markings and may have an A letter code in the serial number-------1904 -only
VALUE: 100%=$285 60%=$75 Add 10% premium for blue finish; 20% premium 4”, 5” or 6” barrel; 20% premium for 22 rimfire caliber

bill

[Old Yeller]

Thank you very much Bill, I didn't realize you responded so quick. No, there is no letter code on the top strap, and I am going by what #4 on your website for top strap. I will try and resize picture so it fits on here. Any luck finding .32 caliber black powder ammo these days. I guessed .32 from the get go, I am sure it is the model you are referring to. 76928 is stamped on underside of top strap. Would you feel comfortable firing this after a thourough bore cleaning and all around polish or should I take in to have gone through and re-blued, etc...? Assuming I can find .32 black powder ammo?

[Old Yeller]

Here you go. Looks like last number is a 6 in photo, but clearly an 8 in real life. No letter code that I can see. Looks like it just sneaked under the wire for an antique, would you agree?

[Old Yeller]

I hated to do it, but I pulled the handles apart, they really look original because they have the brass insert where they screw together and not sure how you would stamp real mother of pearl, very obvious once you have it apart that it is real abalone shell. Very cool... I see abbreviated serial number as well, 6928

[b.goforth]

yes i agree it is a first model 3rd variation (1897-1898), but since my book is not yet in print there will be people who may disagree.

bill

[Old Yeller]

Close enough for girls I go with Bill, thanks a million...good luck with the book, that is quite an endevour. I've started to write a book three times and it is tough to get everything on paper and in order. Since you don't recommend firing these and it is tough getting cartridges for the black powder .32. What do you recommending doing with them, framing them and putting it on the wall so people can at least admire it, sell it to a collector? I wouldn't mind keeping it if I felt safe firing it, but I'm not getting that impression. They don't seem worth selling with the amount of money you would get, vs. the family history you would lose. Tough situation.

[rflame]

Just when I was getting really confused, I found this thread through google.. So I came across this gun and I'm not really sure what to make of it even after reading the posts in here. It just doesn't seem to match up closely enough with anything I've read to satisfy my curiosity about what exactly it is. Bill if you could help in any way I'd appreciate it alot. It's a 6 shot break top revolver, 32 cal from what I can tell, with a 3 1/4" barrel, nickel plated (and it does have a hammer). On the top of the barrel it says Harrington & Richardson Arms Co Worcester Mass U.S.A., second line reads Patented August 6, 1889 October 8, 1895. On the left side of the barrel there wasn't an obvious marking but tilted at the right angle it looks like "Auto _____", can't make out the second part. It has solid black grips with a target on the upper part. Serial number on bottom of the handle reads 218xxx (also worn). I wanted to test fire this gun but it's obviously been used and abused, and with the hammer back it has some play in the cylinder that kinda scares me, and on top of that now I'm thinking it's a black powder model. Thanks in advance.

[roadkingsteve]

WOW, there must be millions of these things. I have one too. Rusty old P.O.S. but looks cool as a wall hanger.

[b.goforth]

rflame,
this is a large frame third model "auto-ejecting" 2nd variation manufactured between 1909 and 1912.

AUTOMATIC EJECTING THIRD MODEL
(SMOKELESS POWDER)---------------------------1905-1940
Auto-ejecting mechanism, Calibers 32 S&W Long, 6 shot cylinder capacity, 38 S&W caliber 5 shot cylinder capacity, hard rubber grip panels with Target Logo, nickel finish (blue optional), barrel lengths of 2½ (rare), 3¼ (standard), 4, 5 & 6 inches available, top of barrel markings include company name and address and early production has patent dates, the one recognizable difference in the Second and Third Models is the caliber is marked on the left side of the barrel on the Third Model.
“IF IT HAS A CALIBER MARKED ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE BARREL THEN IT WAS MANUFACTURED FOR SMOKELESS POWDER”
First Variation 4 patent dates (5-14 & 8-6-89, 4-2-95, 4-7-97) model name and caliber on left side of barrel------------1905-1908
Second Variation 2 patent dates (8-6-89 and 10-8-95) model name and caliber on left side of barrel----------------------1909-1912
Third Variation no patent dates the name of the state is marked as MASS ----1913-1915
Fourth Variation no patent dates the state name of Massachusetts is spelled--1916-1924
Fifth Variation new grip frame, it is now the same size as the rest of the frame with no step down for the grip panel—1925-1941
After 1931 listed in Catalogs as: AUTOMATIC EJECTING No. 10 .32 S&W LONG CALIBER 6 shots and AUTOMATIC EJECTING No. 25 .38 S&W CALIBER 5 shots
After 1932 listed in Catalogs as: AUTOMATIC EJECTING No. 20..38 S&W CALIBER 5 shots
VALUE: 100%=$235 60%=$85 For all Auto-Ejecting 3rd Models; add 75% premium for 2½” barrel; add 25% for 4”, 5” & 6” barrels; add 15% for blue finish;

sound likel this one was not well cared for
bill

[rflame]

Wow thanks! Based on what I had read I could only guess it was older than 1925. So the "Auto" marking on the side counts as a caliber marking? That's why I thought it was a black powder gun at first, because I saw pictures that said "32 S&W" on the side. But no you're certainly right it wasn't very well taken care of. It looks to me like its been used a ton in its early days, and then for the past number of years its mostly been sitting in the same place in a slightly moist container. The nickel finish is deteriorated and pitted in many spots on the left side of the gun (including the cylinder when rotated to match up with how it was stored), but the right side doesn't look bad at all considering the age of this thing.. Anyway what you told me makes this gun that much more interesting to me, I was starting to wonder if buying it on a whim was a mistake (I paid $50 for it from a friend who found it in grampa's attic like so many people had said, and just had no interest in keeping it). Thank you so much for the quick response and information!

[Jim Hauff]

rflame-
The cartridge marking may be worn off. All of the examples, in my collection, of that 2nd variation are marked "AUTO EJECTING" followed by the cartridge desingation (either .32 S&W or .38 S&W).

[nturavrgcop]

I guess I'm going to re-awaken this thread...

I was given one of these today, and any information is appreciated.





Marked "Harrington and Richardson Arms Company, Worchester Mass. USA PAT OCT 8, 1895" Serial # 3970XX.

Not looking to sell, just information about the weapon would be greatly appreciated!!!

[Jim Hauff]

naturavrgcop,
Welcome to the forum.
You have a 2nd Model PREMIER 3rd Variation (1909 - 1913). The serial number appears to be fairly high in the series - so a good guess as to year of manuf. would be 1913.
That gun is chambered for the .32 S&W smokeless powder cartridges. I don't believe the cylinder is long enough to accomodate the .32 S&W Long cartridges. The factory pearl grip panels add collector value to your piece. Other than the grips - it is standard factory configuration for that model and variation and looks to be in v.good condition. Estimated RETAIL value would fall in the $150 - $175 range and add $25 for the MOPs.

[Boe]

Jim,
Maybe you could tell me what the pistol is that I am working on is. It looks like the one in the picture above but it is blue and it does not have the horizontal slots on the cylinder. It is a 6 shot 32 S&W, 3 1/4 barrel, it doesn't have a patent date on it. It does have HARRINGTON & RICHARDSON ARMS CO. WORCHESTER, MASS. USA on the barrel. The serial# is 3665xx I have been having a hard time finding the right trigger return spring for it. I have been sent two springs so far, both of them would not fit. How many different springs did they use in these pistols? Have any idea where I can get the right one? I could send you a picture of the pistol if needed. Thanks for the help Boe

[Jim Hauff]

Boe,
Welcome to the forum.
If your gun is a 6 shot .32, has a hammer and is a hinged frame - it is one of the AUTO EJECTING MODELS. With the barrel stamp you cite, it is a 3rd Model 3rd Variation made 1913 - 1915. It should also have a cartridge designation on the left side of the barrel.
As to the trigger return spring - I don't have that info - I don't take them apart. You may wish to consult with member STONE CHIMNEY he is a gunsmith and works on these guns. Either start a new thread or PM him for best results - this thread is getting a bit long and your question is buried. Good luck.

[Boe]

Jim,
Thank you for the information. I'll try to make contact with Stoney Chimney for the spring. Boe

[Jim Hauff]

Boe,
You're welcome, glad to help out. Thanks for thanking.

[nturavrgcop]

Thank you sir for the info. Interesting piece, currently residing in the gun safe but will have to research finding ammo if possible.

[SB7]

Mr. Jim Hauff,

I just joined this forum and wondered if would please help me in finding the date and information on this Harrington and Richardson .32 top break revolver. My father passed away last year and he gave me the revolver that was my grandfather's.

The dates on top are Oct 4 87 Apr 2 95 Apr 7 96
The serial number on the bottom of the grip looks like 222626, the first number doesn't look like it was either engraved deep enough or actually it looks like it could be a real small A. The grips are black.

I'm not certain how to post pictures yet, but I will try later.

Thank you for your time and assistance, and anything you could tell me about this revolver.

Thanks again,
Steve

[montezumaz]

Jim Hauff,
I was able to purchase a nice little H&R .32 Top-break from a private party at a gun show in Flagstaff AZ. The only information the seller was able to provide me was that it was a .32 and he thought it was a Model 2 manufactured in 1904. However, I take that information with a grain of salt and would ask your superior knowledge as to what this firearm is.

Grips: Black (Bakelite?) with a "5 shot" target logo
Barrel/Front sight: 3" nickel, "HARRINGTON & RICHARDSON ARMS COMPANY"
"WORCESTER MASS U.S.A. PAT OCT 4'87 APR 2'95 APR 7'96"
Cylinder: 5 shot, 7/8"+, nickel, "719"
Frame: Nickel; Screws: Fine
Trigger, Guard, Hammer and Rear sight: Blued (actually black)
Condition: 95-98%
S/N: 5719

[Lanrezac]

Jim Hauff has some significant health problems and has not posted in this forum for a number of months. We hope he will be back, but we don't know when that might be. You might want to start new threads with your questions. Although Jim was the expert, others here can give you information too.

BTW, montezumaz, the grips on your pistol are made of hard rubber rather than Bakelite. Hard rubber was nearly universal for pistol grips in America at that time. Bakelite never really saw much use as a grip material, especially in the USA.

[montezumaz]

Jim is back! Bac to the top.

[lorencc]

Turns out I have one too... I doesn't match any of the others in this thread, so perhaps someone can help me ID it...

Nickel plated, a bit nicked from use but plating still pretty much ok.

6 shots, .32 cal (cylinder holes measure .33"), short cylinder.

Stamped into the top of the 3-1/4" barrel is "HARRINGTON&RICHARDSON, WORCESTER,MASS.U.S.A." all in one line.

No other markings on the outside.

Serial # 4027 stamped on frame under grips and on underside of top above cylinder.

Dry fires just fine. Never shot it and was strongly advised not to.

My grandfather got it from a Pinkerton railway cop.

[radar747]

My father just found this gun and we are wondering what we have. I did my best to look through the threads, but just became more lost. The serial number is 20090 (all three numbers match)and we are pretty sure that is is a 38 s&w five shot. The is no stamp on the side and the bluing is pretty perfect. It seems like it is as near perfect for an older gun then anyone could ask. Pictures are posted. Thanks, mike

[radar747]

Sorry, here are the other images.