Model 48 Topper - The Firearms Forum

Alpo · 06-30-2011, 08:07 PM

Mine is marked

Topper Model 48
Worcester MASS Made in USA
H xxxxx (5 digit SN)

Now, if I'm reading Bill's post http://www.thefirearmsforum.com/show...+serial+number (post #2), correctly, it was made in 1947?

I've had a couple of people show interest in it, and I was thinking that a used single-barrel is worth 75 or 80 bucks, and that ain't worth selling for. But it's a 16. They don't seem to be being made any more. So maybe it's more valuable?

I'll put up a pic, after I clean it some. It's been sitting in the corner collecting dust bunnies, for a couple of years.

Jim Hauff · 07-01-2011, 08:51 AM

Alpo,
'H' = 1947, as you suspected.
As to the 16 ga - from my experience in researching and watching H&R pricing, over the past decade and more, that bore is quite a bit less desireable due, primarily, to the paucity of supply. My opinion, based up the above qualifications, is that 16 ga is a liability with regard to price/value when selling common, lower price range shotguns. Some highly collectible pieces may benefit from less common chamberings, but not the H&R Mod. 48, which morphed into the 58, 158, etc. and later models.
I'm inclined to agree on the 75 to 80 bucks you are thinking of.

06-30-2011, 08:07 PM	#1
Alpo Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: NW Florida Posts: 8,648	Model 48 Topper Mine is marked Topper Model 48 Worcester MASS Made in USA H xxxxx (5 digit SN) Now, if I'm reading Bill's post http://www.thefirearmsforum.com/show...+serial+number (post #2), correctly, it was made in 1947? I've had a couple of people show interest in it, and I was thinking that a used single-barrel is worth 75 or 80 bucks, and that ain't worth selling for. But it's a 16. They don't seem to be being made any more. So maybe it's more valuable? I'll put up a pic, after I clean it some. It's been sitting in the corner collecting dust bunnies, for a couple of years. __________________ Meddle not in the affairs of dragons, for thou art crunchy, and taste good with catsup - George of Lod, Year of Our Lord 297 I always take precautions. Beware the Evil Bullet Fairies. -->

07-01-2011, 08:51 AM	#2
Jim Hauff Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Lehigh Valley, PA Posts: 2,980	Re: Model 48 Topper Alpo, 'H' = 1947, as you suspected. As to the 16 ga - from my experience in researching and watching H&R pricing, over the past decade and more, that bore is quite a bit less desireable due, primarily, to the paucity of supply. My opinion, based up the above qualifications, is that 16 ga is a liability with regard to price/value when selling common, lower price range shotguns. Some highly collectible pieces may benefit from less common chamberings, but not the H&R Mod. 48, which morphed into the 58, 158, etc. and later models. I'm inclined to agree on the 75 to 80 bucks you are thinking of. __________________ Jim Hauff ~ H&R Collector In Memory of Bill Goforth and Jim Ritchie