38 S&W CTG Revolver

[Darrell1]

My father in law gave my son this pistol that he brought home from WWII, the serial number is 109984, on top of the barrell it says Harrington and Richardson Arms Co. Can someone give me an estimate of the value of this pistol?
Thanks in advance
Darrell

 

[Starter52]

Top break, .38 S&W caliber 5-shot revolver? It's a common H&R gun from last century. Someone should be along with a value.

I don't know why an H&R would have been "brought home" from WWII. It was never a mililary issue. I've heard that some H&Rs were used by plant guards during WWII.

Top-break revolvers were going out of fashion by the 1940's, but your H&R was a reliable, reasonably-priced gun. Lots were made and sold in the early 20th century. .38 S&W ammo is still sold. .38 Special won't work.

 

[Darrell1]

yes, it is a top break and a 5 shot. The story is that it was taken off of a German soldier, his brother had one just like it and gave it to my father in law, so he had 2. He gave each of his grandson one of them.

 

[Ron James]

Darrell 1, I would take that story with a grain of salt. Is it possible that a German soldier had a old H&R .38, yes it might have been taken form a American. However because it is just a story with no provenance its value is that of an top break H&R. Handguns of this type, while sturdy and dependable firearms don't have a lot collectors value. They are valued as shooters. A top break H&R in 38 S&W caliber sells for around 150 dollars in excellent condition and as low as 50 in poor condition.

 

[elrod]

Sounds like an Auto-Eject,.38 S&W, 5 shot, hinged top break, black rubber grips, manf. 1887-1941

"Blue Book of Gun Values", 28th ed., Fjestad

100% (NIB, w/papers) $250
98% -$200
95% -$150
90% -$125
80% -$100
70% - $75
60% - $55

Not a really sought after piece.