H&R top break revolver

[Copper511]

While cleaning out my Grandpa's basement, I came across an old H&R top break 5 shot revolver. It has a nickle finish that has seen better days and the trigger rebound spring is shot. It appears to be some type of short .38 because .38 Special is too long, but there isn't any type of caliber markings on either side of the barrel. On the top of the barrel it has Harrington and Richardson Arms CJ Worcester, Mass. USA Patd Oct 4 '87. I located the serial number after taking off the cylinder and it is 0121XX. My Grandpa told me that he forgot he even had the pistol and that he received it from his Grandpa when he passed away. I was wondering if someone could tell me when this pistol was made and what type of .38 it shoots (or did shoot). Any information would be helpful, thanks in advance.

[Mouton]

I found an old HandR that had been my Grandfathers also. After some research I found it was a 38 SandW. Bought a box of them but have not yet fired the pistol.

Vince

[b.goforth]

copper511,
you have H&R Auto-Ejection second model 1st variation manufactured in 1890 (as indicated by barrel markings) or as the serial number would indicate a third variation manufactured in 1894. H&R did sometimes use earier marked barrels on latter manufactured frames. if the serial number found on the bottom of the butt or on the left side of the frame (under the grips) is the same as found on bottom of the top strap less the 0 prefix the manufacture date will be 1894. if not then barrel and frame were not originally together.

AUTOMATIC EJECTING SECOND MODEL
(NEW FRAME TARGET LOGO GRIPS) (BLACK POWDER) ------------1890-1904
New frame shape and new hard rubber grip panels with Target Logo, Auto-ejecting mechanism, Calibers 32 S&W, 6 shot cylinder capacity, 38 S&W caliber 5 shot cylinder capacity, nickel finish (blue optional), barrel lengths of 2½ (rare), 3¼ (standard), 4, 5 & 6 inches available, “IF THERE IS NO CALIBER MARKING ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE BARREL THEN IT WAS MANUFACTURED FOR BLACK POWDER”
Top of barrel markings include company name and address and patent dates.
First Variation; one patent date OCT-4-87 only-----------1890-1892
Second Variation one patent date marked OCT-4-1887 (year marked in full)--1890-1892*
Third Variation three patent dates, Oct-4-1887, May 14 & Aug-6-89------1893-Only*
Fourth Variation three patent dates Oct-4-87, May-14 & Aug-6-89 (note 87 date des not have full year markings)--1894-1896*
Fifth Variation five patent dates Oct-4-87, May 14 & Aug-6-89, April-2-95, April-7-96-----1897-1904*
*Serial numbers found on the bottom side of the top strap will have letter codes with them.
VALUE $225 $85 For all Auto-Ejecting 2nd Models; add 75% premium for 2½” barrel; add 25% for 4”, 5” & 6” barrels; add 15% for blue finish; add 10% for 1st , 2nd, 3rd & 4th variations with nickel trigger guard on nickel finish pieces

bill

[Copper511]

Thanks Bill, that helped out a lot. I've looked around and .38 S&W ammo is kinda scarce, I did however find some .38 S&W brass from Cabela's. I was thinking of "rolling my own" if my gunsmith deems this firearm safe to shoot. Is there any reloading data out there to be had?

[greeneyes4'10"]

I'm new at this, just signed up. I'm trying to find out about my H &R top break revolver. It has the company name & dates on the top of the barrel.
Dates are: Oct 4 '87 May 14 & aug 6, 89 April 2,95 April 7, 1896. The serial # is only visible if you remove the cover on the hand grip.
I have also just recently inherited a few very old rifles. Probably shouldn't post on this thread...
What can you tell me about it, and it's value. Thanks, Shirley

[b.goforth]

greeneyes,
this is one of the second model 5th variation manufactured between 1897 and 1904. a look at the serial nummber on the bottom of the top strap will help us pin down the date of manufactured a little closer. otherwise the value is the same as mentioned above.

bill

[greeneyes4'10"]

Thank you for replying B.GoForth...The serial # is 64332 or 34332

[b.goforth]

AUTOMATIC EJECTING SECOND MODEL (NEW FRAME TARGET LOGO GRIPS)
(BLACK POWDER) ---------------------------------1890-1904
New frame shape and new hard rubber grip panels with Target Logo, Auto-ejecting mechanism, Calibers 32 S&W, 6 shot cylinder capacity, 38 S&W caliber 5 shot cylinder capacity, nickel finish (blue optional), barrel lengths of 2½ (rare), 3¼ (standard), 4, 5 & 6 inches available, “IF THERE IS NO CALIBER MARKING ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE BARREL THEN IT WAS MANUFACTURED FOR BLACK POWDER”
Top of barrel markings include company name and address and patent dates.
First Variation; one patent date OCT-4-87 only-----------1890-1892
Second Variation one patent date marked OCT-4-1887 (year marked in full)--1890-1892*
Third Variation three patent dates, Oct-4-1887, May 14 & Aug-6-89-----1893-Only*
Fourth Variation three patent dates Oct-4-87, May-14 & Aug-6-89 (note 87 date des not have full year markings)------1894-1896*
Fifth Variation five patent dates Oct-4-87, May 14 & Aug-6-89, April-2-95, April-7-96------1897-1904*
*Serial numbers found on the bottom side of the top strap will have letter codes with them.
VALUE 100%=$225 60%=$85 For all Auto-Ejecting 2nd Models; add 75% premium for 2½” barrel; add 25% for 4”, 5” & 6” barrels; add 15% for blue finish; add 10% for 1st , 2nd, 3rd & 4th variations with nickel trigger guard on nickel finish pieces

well it seem like this one should have a letter code to the serial number. so we are going to have to stay with the era of manufacture of the fifth variation 1897-1904.
bill