Found an old Harrington & Richards .32 - The Firearms Forum

cruffler@stny.rr.com · 02-01-2008, 04:11 PM

Top Break. All Nickel plated, Not a self ejector. Nickel rod under barrel screws into star ejector that has two guide rods. Serial number (if that is what is under the left grip (which looks original) is 703. some rust , some plating flaking off. Trying to find a rough value.

Top of barrel reads:
Harrington&Richardson.worchester.mas.u.s.a.

b.goforth · 02-02-2008, 06:12 PM

this is a first model first variation shell extractor model (manual ejector) it was manufactured 1885-1887. the first model manual ejector second variation (1888-1889) eliminated the two guide rods by going to a pentagon shaped extractor rod. recently a second model has been discovered that uses the same frame as the second model auto-ejector (introduced in 1890).

h&r's first auto-ejector models ran into some smith & wesson patent infringement problems. the manual shell extrator model seem to have filled in nicely but also proved to be practical and popular and quite a few were manufactured. it appears more first model shell extractors (manual ejecting) were manufactured than auto-ejector models. serial numbers in the low 8000 range have been observed.

this revolver was manufactured for black powder cartridge pressures and is not safe with modern ammo. it was offered in two calibers 38 S&W and 32 S&W (not 32 S&W Long).

"flayderman's guide to american antique firearms" list the shell extracting model at very good=$125 and exc.=$285 but that is at least $100 below what they are actually worth.
bill

cruffler@stny.rr.com · 02-03-2008, 12:29 AM

Thanks!

Been trying to sort out what to do with it and another Iver Johnson Top Break P series. Both are black powder and not in the best shape, but I've been looking into their value for the family. Appreciate the feedback!

mjordan1n · 02-17-2008, 06:08 PM

I would appreciate any information and especially the year of manufacture of my five shot, 2 inch barrel, blued, break-top, hammerless revolver with ''H&R ARMS CO WORCESTER, MASS. USA" engraved along the flat top of the barrel, and "32 S. & W. CTGE" along the left side of the barrel, it has a six digit serial number "253XXX" on the butt of the black plastic hand grip. It also features a automatic "star" shell ejector.
Thanks for your help,
Mj

02-01-2008, 04:11 PM	#1
cruffler@stny.rr.com Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 2	Found an old Harrington & Richards .32 Top Break. All Nickel plated, Not a self ejector. Nickel rod under barrel screws into star ejector that has two guide rods. Serial number (if that is what is under the left grip (which looks original) is 703. some rust , some plating flaking off. Trying to find a rough value. Top of barrel reads: Harrington&Richardson.worchester.mas.u.s.a. --> Last edited by cruffler@stny.rr.com; 02-01-2008 at 04:49 PM..

02-02-2008, 06:12 PM	#2
b.goforth Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: houston, tx Posts: 3,174	Re: Found an old Harrington & Richards .32 this is a first model first variation shell extractor model (manual ejector) it was manufactured 1885-1887. the first model manual ejector second variation (1888-1889) eliminated the two guide rods by going to a pentagon shaped extractor rod. recently a second model has been discovered that uses the same frame as the second model auto-ejector (introduced in 1890). h&r's first auto-ejector models ran into some smith & wesson patent infringement problems. the manual shell extrator model seem to have filled in nicely but also proved to be practical and popular and quite a few were manufactured. it appears more first model shell extractors (manual ejecting) were manufactured than auto-ejector models. serial numbers in the low 8000 range have been observed. this revolver was manufactured for black powder cartridge pressures and is not safe with modern ammo. it was offered in two calibers 38 S&W and 32 S&W (not 32 S&W Long). "flayderman's guide to american antique firearms" list the shell extracting model at very good=$125 and exc.=$285 but that is at least $100 below what they are actually worth. 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 Last edited by b.goforth; 02-02-2008 at 06:28 PM..

02-03-2008, 12:29 AM	#3
cruffler@stny.rr.com Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 2	Re: Found an old Harrington & Richards .32 Thanks! Been trying to sort out what to do with it and another Iver Johnson Top Break P series. Both are black powder and not in the best shape, but I've been looking into their value for the family. Appreciate the feedback!

02-17-2008, 06:08 PM	#4
mjordan1n Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 12	Re: Found an old Harrington & Richards .32 I would appreciate any information and especially the year of manufacture of my five shot, 2 inch barrel, blued, break-top, hammerless revolver with ''H&R ARMS CO WORCESTER, MASS. USA" engraved along the flat top of the barrel, and "32 S. & W. CTGE" along the left side of the barrel, it has a six digit serial number "253XXX" on the butt of the black plastic hand grip. It also features a automatic "star" shell ejector. Thanks for your help, Mj