Hopkins & Allen Safety Police - The Firearms Forum

rocklinskier · 11-09-2009, 09:21 AM

Hey all,

Need a little help with Identity. Would like to get any info I can on this old pistol.

It belonged to my wife's grandfather. He used it on his fishing boat as a 'shark gun'. Remember when it wasn't incorrect to shoot sharks and seals for eating your catch?? Times have changed.

ON to the gun:

Hopkins & Allen Arms Co. 'Safety Police' USA Pat. Aug21 1906 Ser# E577

I saw some other post stating that it may be between 1910-1917, but any other info would be helpful.

Value would be interesting, but not essential. It's one of those never gonna sell it, or part with it things. Grandpas boat gun.

It's really worn. the cylinder rattles around like a nobody's business. Would probably shoot, but I'll likely never know. Also, think I read no modern ammo. Black powder only? There are two boxes of 38 shorts that were stored with it. by the look of the boxes, I would say ammo is from late '70's. Im sure this is what he used. Kinda scary. there was a full box of winchester super x nickel case, unjacketed lead, and a box of Rem brass case lead, and then some loose box REALLY corroded rounds as well. Probably from being on the boat in the salt water enviroment.

Just want as much info as I can to record for the family of generations to come.

Also, would it be a crime to take a little oil soaked 000 steel wool to it, or is there another way to clean it up a bit without defacing it?

Thanks in advance.

b.goforth · 11-09-2009, 12:40 PM

i believe this model was made between 1906 and 1917. the blue book (30the edition) list these in 100% comdition at $375 (ibelieve this is a little high) all the way down to $185 in 60% condition (also a little high).

what your gun has going for it is the over size grips (which are original) but i don't know if they would help a revolver in the condition as yours is in.
bill

11-09-2009, 09:21 AM	#1
rocklinskier V.I.P. Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 295	Hopkins & Allen Safety Police Hey all, Need a little help with Identity. Would like to get any info I can on this old pistol. It belonged to my wife's grandfather. He used it on his fishing boat as a 'shark gun'. Remember when it wasn't incorrect to shoot sharks and seals for eating your catch?? Times have changed. ON to the gun: Hopkins & Allen Arms Co. 'Safety Police' USA Pat. Aug21 1906 Ser# E577 I saw some other post stating that it may be between 1910-1917, but any other info would be helpful. Value would be interesting, but not essential. It's one of those never gonna sell it, or part with it things. Grandpas boat gun. It's really worn. the cylinder rattles around like a nobody's business. Would probably shoot, but I'll likely never know. Also, think I read no modern ammo. Black powder only? There are two boxes of 38 shorts that were stored with it. by the look of the boxes, I would say ammo is from late '70's. Im sure this is what he used. Kinda scary. there was a full box of winchester super x nickel case, unjacketed lead, and a box of Rem brass case lead, and then some loose box REALLY corroded rounds as well. Probably from being on the boat in the salt water enviroment. Just want as much info as I can to record for the family of generations to come. Also, would it be a crime to take a little oil soaked 000 steel wool to it, or is there another way to clean it up a bit without defacing it? Thanks in advance. Attached Images __________________ Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn't pass it on to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children’s children what it was once like in the United States where men were free ~Ronald Reagan. -->

11-09-2009, 12:40 PM	#2
b.goforth Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: houston, tx Posts: 3,174	Re: Hopkins & Allen Safety Police i believe this model was made between 1906 and 1917. the blue book (30the edition) list these in 100% comdition at $375 (ibelieve this is a little high) all the way down to $185 in 60% condition (also a little high). what your gun has going for it is the over size grips (which are original) but i don't know if they would help a revolver in the condition as yours is in. bill __________________ Author: Iver Johnson's Arms & Cycle Works 1871-1993 H&R Arms Company 1871-1986 (due spring 2010) available from www.gunshowbooks.com website; iverjohnsoncollector.x10hosting.com