Harrington and Richardson .38

[Jackman]

Vintage Harrington and Richardson .38 ,5 shot revolver, 3 inch barrel , full nickel , dark brown grips it seems to be a womens gun very small grip so small its comfortable to handle.I am not up on the model its in good but showing wear,,any ideas?

[Jim Hauff]

Jackman,
There are a few models that might fit that description. If you can provide a bit more info, I'm sure one of us can help you.
1. Solid frame, break open/hinged frame?
2, Any and all markings on: top and or sides of barrel, left side of frame?
3. What are the grips made of: wood, brown or black plastic (nylon), black hard rubber - and is there any logo molded into them, one piece or two?
4. Serial number on butt strap? and/or on left side of grip frame under grip?

Answers will get us started. Thanks in Advance.

[Jackman]

Originally Posted by Jim Hauff

Jackman,
There are a few models that might fit that description. If you can provide a bit more info, I'm sure one of us can help you.
1. Solid frame, break open/hinged frame?
2, Any and all markings on: top and or sides of barrel, left side of frame?
3. What are the grips made of: wood, brown or black plastic (nylon), black hard rubber - and is there any logo molded into them, one piece or two?
4. Serial number on butt strap? and/or on left side of grip frame under grip?

Answers will get us started. Thanks in Advance.

Jim, its a break type hinged frame, on the barrel it has the company name imprinted, the grips are actually black two piece held on with a single screw and imprinted with a target ,the serial number is under the grips I will get that later as I can't find a small enough screw driver to get it off.


Thanks jack

[Jackman]

I got the grips off and the serial # is 77098 , the serial number is also scratched into the back side of both grips too.

The barrel imprint says ,

"Harrington and Richardson arms company Worcester ,Mass U.S.A Pat Oct.4 1887 May 14 & Aug. 6 ,89" ,

the May and Aug dates might be wrong as its very hard to read them there not very deep.

Any info would be appreciated thanks

Jack

[Jackman]

Perhaps I am wrong maybe its a .32 caliber , I found this old thread

http://www.thefirearmsforum.com/showthread.php?t=55307

with nice pic the gun appears the same as mine, the thread is interesting too as to the safety and reliability of the H&R ...

[b.goforth]

this would be an H&R Premier First Model 3rd variation manufactured in 1897 and 1898. the caliber is 32 S&W.

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