Harrington & Richards Top Break - The Firearms Forum

rondevries · 06-17-2011, 06:20 AM

I am new at this so please bare with me. I do not know the model, the caliber, type of bullets to be used,when the pistol was manufactured,
and its current value. Thanking you advance for your information.

The pistol is a H & R Top Break with the following inscribed on the top of the barrel: Harrington & Richardson Arms Company, Worchester, Mass. USA
Pat Oct 4, 87, May 14 & Aug 6, '89, April 2, '95, April 7,1896

The Serial number on the bottom of the top strap is either an E or a F 20597.

No markings on the cyclinder. 4 inch barrel.

The black handle has a cresent with "F & W" in fancy lettering above and partially surrounding a patriotic emblem with stars on the top third and downward stripes on the lower two-thirds.

Thanks again for your expertise!!

Jim Hauff · 06-17-2011, 08:45 AM

ron,
Welcome to the forum.
From your description and the top barrel rib inscription:
You have a 2nd Model (1890 - 1904) "AUTOMATIC EJECTING" 5th Variation (1897-1904); made to use Black Powder cartridges, only. If it is a 6 shooter, it was chambered for .32 S&W and .32 H&R Long. If it is a 5 shooter, it was chambered for .38 S&W. As to the serial number prefix: 'E' would be either 1900 or 1901; 'F' would be 1902 or 1903. Since the number part is in the 20K range - I'd be willing to bet that the letter is an 'E'...???
Standard issue for this Model is: Nickel plated, 3 1/4" barrel, black, hard rubber grip panels with molded in H&R "Target with holes" logo. Options include: blued finish; 2 1/2", 4, 5, 6" barrels; checkered Walnut, mother-of-pearl or Ivory grip panels.
Current RETAIL values: 100%/NIB (there are still some out there) $225; 95% - $170; 90% - $140; 80% $100-$125 and so on down to $25 for a parts gun. Blue finish is worth a 15% premium; 2 1/2" barrel (rare) 75% premium; 25% premium for 4, 5 or 6" barrel. Without pics or a full description of the condition - your piece will fall somewhere in the above RETAIL values guide lines.
Your piece has non-original grip panels (sounds like FOREHAND & WADSWORTH panels), which will detract somewhat from the overall value, but the 4" barrel is a plus. Since your piece is a BLACK POWDER - ONLY capable gun, it has, primarily, collector interest and value.
NOTE: the variation number on the photo is not correct - it was changed by later research to be Variation 5.
Name: IMG_1822_4.jpg
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Name: IMG_1822_4.jpg
Views: 241
Size: 178.3 KB

lubelizard · 06-17-2011, 08:47 PM

Wrong thread.

rondevries · 06-18-2011, 08:07 AM

Mr. Hauff,

Your information was exactly what I needed!!

Thank you very much!!!

Ron

Jim Hauff · 06-18-2011, 08:16 AM

Ron,
You're very welcome, glad to help out. AND, thanks for thanking

Mr. Hauff

06-17-2011, 06:20 AM	#1
rondevries Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Posts: 2	Harrington & Richards Top Break I am new at this so please bare with me. I do not know the model, the caliber, type of bullets to be used,when the pistol was manufactured, and its current value. Thanking you advance for your information. The pistol is a H & R Top Break with the following inscribed on the top of the barrel: Harrington & Richardson Arms Company, Worchester, Mass. USA Pat Oct 4, 87, May 14 & Aug 6, '89, April 2, '95, April 7,1896 The Serial number on the bottom of the top strap is either an E or a F 20597. No markings on the cyclinder. 4 inch barrel. The black handle has a cresent with "F & W" in fancy lettering above and partially surrounding a patriotic emblem with stars on the top third and downward stripes on the lower two-thirds. Thanks again for your expertise!! -->

06-17-2011, 08:45 AM	#2
Jim Hauff Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Lehigh Valley, PA Posts: 2,980	Re: Harrington & Richards Top Break ron, Welcome to the forum. From your description and the top barrel rib inscription: You have a 2nd Model (1890 - 1904) "AUTOMATIC EJECTING" 5th Variation (1897-1904); made to use Black Powder cartridges, only. If it is a 6 shooter, it was chambered for .32 S&W and .32 H&R Long. If it is a 5 shooter, it was chambered for .38 S&W. As to the serial number prefix: 'E' would be either 1900 or 1901; 'F' would be 1902 or 1903. Since the number part is in the 20K range - I'd be willing to bet that the letter is an 'E'...??? Standard issue for this Model is: Nickel plated, 3 1/4" barrel, black, hard rubber grip panels with molded in H&R "Target with holes" logo. Options include: blued finish; 2 1/2", 4, 5, 6" barrels; checkered Walnut, mother-of-pearl or Ivory grip panels. Current RETAIL values: 100%/NIB (there are still some out there) $225; 95% - $170; 90% - $140; 80% $100-$125 and so on down to $25 for a parts gun. Blue finish is worth a 15% premium; 2 1/2" barrel (rare) 75% premium; 25% premium for 4, 5 or 6" barrel. Without pics or a full description of the condition - your piece will fall somewhere in the above RETAIL values guide lines. Your piece has non-original grip panels (sounds like FOREHAND & WADSWORTH panels), which will detract somewhat from the overall value, but the 4" barrel is a plus. Since your piece is a BLACK POWDER - ONLY capable gun, it has, primarily, collector interest and value. NOTE: the variation number on the photo is not correct - it was changed by later research to be Variation 5. __________________ Jim Hauff ~ H&R Collector In Memory of Bill Goforth and Jim Ritchie Last edited by Jim Hauff; 06-17-2011 at 08:46 AM..

06-17-2011, 08:47 PM	#3
lubelizard Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Posts: 14	Re: Harrington & Richards Top Break Wrong thread. Last edited by lubelizard; 06-17-2011 at 08:53 PM..

06-18-2011, 08:07 AM	#4
rondevries Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Posts: 2	Re: Harrington & Richards Top Break Mr. Hauff, Your information was exactly what I needed!! Thank you very much!!! Ron

06-18-2011, 08:16 AM	#5
Jim Hauff Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Lehigh Valley, PA Posts: 2,980	Re: Harrington & Richards Top Break Ron, You're very welcome, glad to help out. AND, thanks for thanking Mr. Hauff __________________ Jim Hauff ~ H&R Collector In Memory of Bill Goforth and Jim Ritchie