H&R Top Break 32 - The Firearms Forum

EricPA · 06-30-2010, 08:50 PM

I am looking for any information on a revolver I have. I found a diagram that listed locations for numbers and information by W.E. Goforth? #1: Harrington & Richardson Arms Co. Worcester, Mass USA, #2: 32 Cal, S&W CTGE., #4: 352489, #8: 352489. On the cylinder is the number: 489. It is a 5 shot, the grips have the "target" emblem on them. The length of the barrel is a little less than 3", I measured it at 2 7/8". Thanks in advance.

b.goforth · 07-01-2010, 01:29 PM

H&R Premier Second Model 4th vartiation manufactured between 1914 and 1915.

H&R PREMIER SECOND MODEL
SMALL FRAME TOP BREAK R.F. & C.F. --------------1905-1941
Small fame double action top break revolver with double top post barrel latch; calibers and cylinder capacity, 22 rimfire-7 rounds, 32 S&W, 5 rounds; automatic cylinder stop; standard finish Nickel with case harden hammer and barrel latch; standard barrel length 3 inches, with 2, 4, 5 and 6 inches available as optional; HAS CALIBER MARKINGS ON LEFT SIDE OF BARREL WAS MANUFACTURED FOR SMOKELESS POWDER CARTRIDGE PRESSURES.
There has not been enough data gathered on serial number to try to come up with a serial number range for the different variations.
First Variation, model name & caliber marked on left side of barrel, patent dates 5-14-89, 4-2-95, 4-7-96-------1905-Only
Second Variation, model name & caliber marked on left side of barrel, patent dates 4-2-95, 4-7-96 ---------1906-1908
Third Variation, caliber only marked on left side of barrel, patent date 10-8-95 --------------1909-1913
Fourth Variation, caliber only marked on left side of barrel, no patent date, state not spelled out in address (MASS) ------------------1914-1915
Fifth Variation, caliber only marked on left side of barrel same as 4th except different font used in barrel markings--------------------1914-1915
Sixth Variation, caliber only marked on left side of barrel. State name in barrel marking spelled out (MASSACHUSETTS) ----------1916-1924
Seventh Variation, new grip frame, there is no step down for the grip panels to fit into---------1925-1942
After 1930 listed in catalogs as; PREMIER No. 30 .22 Rimfire 7 shot and PREMIER No. 35.32 S&W 5 shot
VALUE: 100%=$265 60%=$75 Add 10% premium for blue finish; 20% premium 4”, 5” or 6” barrel; 20% premium for 22 rimfire caliber; 10% premium for 7th variation

EricPA · 07-02-2010, 01:38 PM

Thank you for the information! Have a Happy Fourth of July!!

07-02-2010, 01:38 PM	#3
EricPA Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 2	Re: H&R Top Break 32 Thank you for the information! Have a Happy Fourth of July!!

06-30-2010, 08:50 PM	#1
EricPA Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 2	H&R Top Break 32 I am looking for any information on a revolver I have. I found a diagram that listed locations for numbers and information by W.E. Goforth? #1: Harrington & Richardson Arms Co. Worcester, Mass USA, #2: 32 Cal, S&W CTGE., #4: 352489, #8: 352489. On the cylinder is the number: 489. It is a 5 shot, the grips have the "target" emblem on them. The length of the barrel is a little less than 3", I measured it at 2 7/8". Thanks in advance. -->

07-01-2010, 01:29 PM	#2
b.goforth Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: houston, tx Posts: 3,174	Re: H&R Top Break 32 H&R Premier Second Model 4th vartiation manufactured between 1914 and 1915. H&R PREMIER SECOND MODEL SMALL FRAME TOP BREAK R.F. & C.F. --------------1905-1941 Small fame double action top break revolver with double top post barrel latch; calibers and cylinder capacity, 22 rimfire-7 rounds, 32 S&W, 5 rounds; automatic cylinder stop; standard finish Nickel with case harden hammer and barrel latch; standard barrel length 3 inches, with 2, 4, 5 and 6 inches available as optional; HAS CALIBER MARKINGS ON LEFT SIDE OF BARREL WAS MANUFACTURED FOR SMOKELESS POWDER CARTRIDGE PRESSURES. There has not been enough data gathered on serial number to try to come up with a serial number range for the different variations. First Variation, model name & caliber marked on left side of barrel, patent dates 5-14-89, 4-2-95, 4-7-96-------1905-Only Second Variation, model name & caliber marked on left side of barrel, patent dates 4-2-95, 4-7-96 ---------1906-1908 Third Variation, caliber only marked on left side of barrel, patent date 10-8-95 --------------1909-1913 Fourth Variation, caliber only marked on left side of barrel, no patent date, state not spelled out in address (MASS) ------------------1914-1915 Fifth Variation, caliber only marked on left side of barrel same as 4th except different font used in barrel markings--------------------1914-1915 Sixth Variation, caliber only marked on left side of barrel. State name in barrel marking spelled out (MASSACHUSETTS) ----------1916-1924 Seventh Variation, new grip frame, there is no step down for the grip panels to fit into---------1925-1942 After 1930 listed in catalogs as; PREMIER No. 30 .22 Rimfire 7 shot and PREMIER No. 35.32 S&W 5 shot VALUE: 100%=$265 60%=$75 Add 10% premium for blue finish; 20% premium 4”, 5” or 6” barrel; 20% premium for 22 rimfire caliber; 10% premium for 7th variation __________________ 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; 07-01-2010 at 01:39 PM..