What is this?

[1948CJ2A]

Trying to help a friend who recently acquired a 6 shot revolver. See pics. Sorry, don't have any additional pics. Not even sure what cartridge this is chambered for. The finish is pretty bad and it has some pitting in multiple areas.

The only stampings we could find were as follows:

• (On the top line #1) Harrington & Richardson Arms Company
• (On the top line #2) Worcester Mass U.S.A. PAT. Oct. 4,87 May 14 & AUG 6, 8?
• (On the cylinder visible only when open engraved twice) 355

 

[berettaprofessor]

Need to see the overall side view. Is it a topbreak? Harrington and Richardson made lots of revolvers dating back to black powder days.

 

[WestKentucky]

It's a topbreak. Most likely in 32 smith and wesson or 38 smith and wesson

 

[Jim K]

Large Frame Auto-eject .38, Second Model 4th variation, made 1896-1897. It is an antique under federal law.

Caliber is .38 S&W, and was originally made for black powder. If in good mechanical shape, limited use of modern ammunition will probably be OK.

Jim

 

[1948CJ2A]

Large Frame Auto-eject .38, Second Model 4th variation, made 1896-1897. It is an antique under federal law.

Caliber is .38 S&W, and was originally made for black powder. If in good mechanical shape, limited use of modern ammunition will probably be OK.

Jim

Thanks for the info! Do they have any value?

 

[joem1945]

Top breaks, in this area $50.00 to $125.00. If your going to shoot it use very mild loads and be prepared for the timing to be off.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Just be careful shooting that revolver because H&R revolvers were not known for their strength. Like said above, probably chambered in .38 S&W. (not .38 S&W Special) I would worry about shooting most commercial ammo unless it was marked Cowboy Ammo or is loaded with Black Powder like those sold by Ten-X.

 

[Jim K]

I also advise caution in firing old revolvers, but tens of millions of rounds of smokeless powder ammo have been fired in guns made in the black powder era and those made by the "name" companies (Colr, S&W, M&H, H&A, H&R, IJ) hold up OK, though the lower end guns were never made for extended use with any ammunition, even black powder loads.

By the look of the ratchet on that revolver, it is about ready for retirement; not necessarily unsafe, but probably close to being plain worn out.

Jim

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Jim, my warning wasn't because the revolver was BP era, it was because it's an H&R of unknown condition. I didn't notice the ratchet, good catch. (my glasses would help if I put them on lol)

 

[Bama Drifter]

Hey OP. What you have is affectionately called a $100 wall-hanger in my gun shop. 34th Edition Blue Book of Gun Values listing:
Automatic Ejecting Second Model (Black Powder)
.38 S&W 5 shot new frame shape and new hard rubber grip panels w/ target logo, nickel or blue finish 3 1/4" standard bbl, if there is no caliber marking on left side of bbl, then it was mfg for black powder, top of bbl markings include company name and address and patent dates. Mfg 1890-1904 100% $300; 98% $195; 95% $170; 90% $140;
80% $125; 70% $110; 60% $95.

There is a little more info I've redacted, however it would be generous to photo-grade this gun at 50-60 percent. In this condition I'd put it on the mantle, use it as a paperweight, or take the first C-note anyone offered me for it. My $0.02