What model is this lil junker? Anyone know? Looks like a .22, and is a 7 shot. Main reason I am asking is trying to determine if pre-99 for selling purposes. last patent date on barrel is April 7, 96 but hard to tell when it was actually produced.
Harrington Richardson top break ID - help needed
- Thread starter kdave21
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Can't tell you a lot without a serial number and everything written on it.
If it's a Premier Second Model that's a 1905 or 1906 piece, they were made 1905-41.
The full list of patent dates on it will actually tell what range it's in, this is just a wag at it for now.
If it's a Premier Second Model that's a 1905 or 1906 piece, they were made 1905-41.
The full list of patent dates on it will actually tell what range it's in, this is just a wag at it for now.
H&R PREMER 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.
It's basically the same as the Premier edition only it's unmarked. This was apparently a common practice as H&R sold its revolvers through various agencies and outlets and could be sold as a 'second model top break'.
Another source suggests that patent dates 5-14-89, 4-2-95, 4-7-96 were listed on 1905manufactured guns only.
In that condition you are talking about a $75-$100 pistol, I've seen one with near immaculate shiny nickel that sold for just under $200. And it looks like it is NOT pre-99.
Carefully look over the left side of the barrel for a caliber marking--all H&R references say it should be there, this could have been re-nickled and therefore buffed out.
I found pretty much the exact same revolver at http://www.go2gbo.com/forums/index.php?topic=160389.0 though it's in better shape and is unmarked on the left side like yours.
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.
It's basically the same as the Premier edition only it's unmarked. This was apparently a common practice as H&R sold its revolvers through various agencies and outlets and could be sold as a 'second model top break'.
Another source suggests that patent dates 5-14-89, 4-2-95, 4-7-96 were listed on 1905manufactured guns only.
In that condition you are talking about a $75-$100 pistol, I've seen one with near immaculate shiny nickel that sold for just under $200. And it looks like it is NOT pre-99.
Carefully look over the left side of the barrel for a caliber marking--all H&R references say it should be there, this could have been re-nickled and therefore buffed out.
I found pretty much the exact same revolver at http://www.go2gbo.com/forums/index.php?topic=160389.0 though it's in better shape and is unmarked on the left side like yours.
Great information Dr. Rob. Thanks much for your time/help. I thought I looked really close earlier on the barrel, but I will look again and see if I cant find that caliber marking... Looks like FFLs will apply on this one. I dont have much for expectations!
32 Magnum
Member
kdave,
With that set of Patent dates, you revolver is probably a PREMIER 1st Model 3rd Variation made1897-98, and in that case would be an "official antique."
It would be easier is we can see the other side. If I'm correct, there will be no stampings on the left side of the barrel. All the H&R revolvers made before mid 1897 with Nickel finish will have a Nickel plated trigger guard - your's appears to be plated???? The earlier PREMIERs were not marked with the model name.
Also, I don't know where you got the serial number you quoted - but the "real" number will be found under the top strap - you'll have to remove the cylinder to see it: push in the small button on the left side of the topstrap and lift the latch to full open - release the button and the latch should stay in up right position. The cylinder will either pull directly off or require about three turns counter clock wise to unscrew. The number stamped under the top strap may have a letter prefix, if so, post that also.
With the answers to the above questions, we can give you a more definitive answer.
With that set of Patent dates, you revolver is probably a PREMIER 1st Model 3rd Variation made1897-98, and in that case would be an "official antique."
It would be easier is we can see the other side. If I'm correct, there will be no stampings on the left side of the barrel. All the H&R revolvers made before mid 1897 with Nickel finish will have a Nickel plated trigger guard - your's appears to be plated???? The earlier PREMIERs were not marked with the model name.
Also, I don't know where you got the serial number you quoted - but the "real" number will be found under the top strap - you'll have to remove the cylinder to see it: push in the small button on the left side of the topstrap and lift the latch to full open - release the button and the latch should stay in up right position. The cylinder will either pull directly off or require about three turns counter clock wise to unscrew. The number stamped under the top strap may have a letter prefix, if so, post that also.
With the answers to the above questions, we can give you a more definitive answer.
32 Magnum
Member
kdave,
Thanks for the follow-up and the pics. It looks like the trigger guard was "blued", indicating it was made in late 1897 or 1898. I'm sticking with the 1st Model and 2nd Variation ID due to the clear photo of the top of the barrel rib stampings.
The left side of the barrel is rough - BUT, I can't see any indication of a cartridge stamp there. The confirmation of the serial number as viewed under the top strap lends credence to the 1st Model ID - during that time, it appears that H&R numbered its handguns with "batch" numbers - running up to 9999, then starting over.
Value in that condition is as a collectible only - and perhaps in the $100 to $130 range.
Nice find - I haven't seen many of the PREMIERS from that Variation.
Thanks for the follow-up and the pics. It looks like the trigger guard was "blued", indicating it was made in late 1897 or 1898. I'm sticking with the 1st Model and 2nd Variation ID due to the clear photo of the top of the barrel rib stampings.
The left side of the barrel is rough - BUT, I can't see any indication of a cartridge stamp there. The confirmation of the serial number as viewed under the top strap lends credence to the 1st Model ID - during that time, it appears that H&R numbered its handguns with "batch" numbers - running up to 9999, then starting over.
Value in that condition is as a collectible only - and perhaps in the $100 to $130 range.
Nice find - I haven't seen many of the PREMIERS from that Variation.
Cob
Member
I purchased a pistol very similiar to that, i think it was in .32 "short"... I paid 100.00 bucks for it. Whenver it shot, the cylinder and barrel did not line up that tightly, and occasionally you would feel hot "sparks" fly out to the side when shooting. That aspect scared me, and i traded it in a better pistol..
I got $100 trade in value for it...
I got $100 trade in value for it...
32 Magnum
Member
kdave,
You're welcome, thanks for thanking.
Good shooting to you and be SAFE...
You're welcome, thanks for thanking.
Good shooting to you and be SAFE...
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