I'm a new member - looking for additional information about the subject handgun. Not much on the web to fill in the blanks as there are almost no markings on the gun itself to refer to - only the Serial # 1957 under the grip and the stamped "The American Double Action" on the top of the frame. I've attached pictures - but am most interested in the approx. year made, value, and whether its worth keeping or sending down the road to a collector. Thanks in advance.
The American Double Action handgun
1 - 5 of 5 Posts
Joined
·
3,634 Posts
Welcome to TFF.
Made by Iver Johnson in several calibers and frame sizes, and two models, 1880s-90s.
But your pics don't show: To post them, click on Go Advanced and then on the paperclip icon.
I think hrf intended to say that the American Double Action was made by Harrington & Richardson. They were made in large numbers for many years (1884-1941), and in average condition will bring around $150. Most were nickel plated and peeling plating will reduce the value considerably. IIRC, most were not serial numbered (the number under the grips is an assembly or batch number) and there are few records with manufacturing information. There will, we hope, be a book out shortly which will add to our knowledge of those guns and the history of the company.
Jim
Jim
I used to have one of those guns. It belonged to my father and he had a dozen "shells" for it but I don't think he ever fired it. Somehow, in the moving around it was lost. Not a big loss but a bit of regret that a piece of family history went missing.
FWIW, it was common in the 1930's for hardware stores to break cartridge boxes and sell a customer five or six revolver cartridges or whatever number of rifle or shotgun shells he wanted to go hunting. Not any more.
Jim
FWIW, it was common in the 1930's for hardware stores to break cartridge boxes and sell a customer five or six revolver cartridges or whatever number of rifle or shotgun shells he wanted to go hunting. Not any more.
Jim
1 - 5 of 5 Posts
