Help in identifying old H&R top-break?

[Green Lantern]

So tonight I came across an old Harrington & Richardson in what looks to be in great condition, sans some minor pitting on the barrel. The bore didn't look pristine, but I'm hoping it's just in need of a good cleaning. It was given to a relative who would like more info on it.

I had nothing to get pics of it with, though it's pretty close to this except the finish looks to be blued - but with a more "reddish" hue on the lower frame than on the barrel:



It's a 6-shot. I was kicking myself for not drawing the image on the top of the grips, but it's just as in the photo I linked, so apparently common. The only markings (save a serial# on the bottom of the butt) are on top of the barrel:

Harrington and Richardson Arms Co Worcester Mass SA
Patented August 6 1889 October 8 1895

(ETA: Actually looks like ammo IS available for either one online, groovy!) I'm hoping to learn it's a .32 - assuming I'm right in my understanding that one can use modern .32ACP ammo in one? My only other guess would be .38 S&W, ammo I don't think one is likely to find on any dealer's shelves...

Other than that, I'm curious as to a ballpark of "worth?" I've got a hankering to own a top-break revolver. I've lusted after a Webley for some time. About the only other option I knew of, the Schofield, just doesn't do it for me. If it''s shootable - and feedable - (and not worth a ton of $$$) I might see if she'd be willing to part with it!

 

[LAGS]

@ Green Lantern.
I would NOT fire .32 ACP rounds in this gun.
It is a .32 S&W and was made for the old Black Powder cartridges.
They are Not designed to handle Smokeless powder loads, nor Jacketed Bullets
I Have the same gun in the .38 S&W 5 shot, and I load shells with Black Powder for it.
I have a whole gaggle of the old Top breaks, and shoot them with the proper ammo about once a Month.
The gun will fire a .32 ACP cartridge, but it is not Safe.
I reload .32 ACP Casings with lead bullets and 4.0 grains of 3f black powder if I am short of .32 S&W casings just to go out plinking with the .32's I have

 

[TennJed]

Can't help id it, but I can tell you it is good looking

 

[Ron James]

If the caliber is not marked on the barrel or frame, then I have been told by those who know these guns, it was made for black powder. Good advise on the .32 ACP, it generates about twice the pressure of the old black powder rounds. It may not self destruct, but after a few rounds you will have only a few loose gun parts instead of a revolver.

 

[Green Lantern]

Thanks for the info. I don't reload, at least not yet, but it looks like I might have some luck...I've seen some BP .32 S&W factory offerings, but they all show out of stock where I've looked. Ten-X might be a possibility. And I haven't looked around anywhere local yet, stranger things have happened.

Can't help id it, but I can tell you it is good looking

Thanks, but that's actually a pic I came across on the internet of the same sort of gun. Actually, IMO, the one my relative has looks even better!

ETA - would this ammo be ok? It does not say black powder... http://palmettostatearmory.com/index.php/magtech-32-s-w-85-gr-lead-round-nose-32swa.html

 

[Onward Allusion]

Blackpowder.

If the caliber is stamped on the left side of the barrel, then it can shoot smokeless.

 

[LAGS]

@ Green Lantern.
I picked up several boxes of Mag Tech 32 S&W with lead bullets , and they fired Ok in my guns, but I safety checked my guns before firing them.
I would recomend you have your gun checked by a gunsmith before firing it with Any Ammo.
Then I bought a Lee " Classic Reloader" Kit to reload the empty cases with Black powder.
That is the cheapest way to reload for these guns that you wont shoot much, and I have several Presses and all kinds of dies.
But the Lee Kit, is just for playing with these old revolvers where you can load up stuff with out much investment, and they are portable.
I take it with me when I go camping andd shoot the same box of ammo all weekend long.