Hopkins & Allen XL8 (3?)

[AndyUSMC1107]

It was suggested that I try the Research Forum RE: a 73rd Birthday Gift from my Brother.

It is roll marked Hopkins & Allen XL8 as best as my old eyes can verify. This .32 S&W Long is 95%++. It has the “bell” and “whistle” upgrades: folding hammer spur and a full length spring loaded spent cartridge case Ejector.

I understand the folding hammer spur was patented to Merwin Hulbert & Co. (Jan. 27, ‘85).

Barrel is 3 1/2.” Grips, action and barrel (inside and out) is perfect!

All my research indicates this gem of a H&A held 5 “beans” in the cylinder. Mine is a 6 “beaner...”

In looking thru the gun auction houses I find listings for XL8 (or 3) .32 S&W L as ALL 5 shot. A scant few w/the folding hammer spur, and NONE w/the ejector...and NO mention of “6 shooters.”

Any help out there?

 

[Jim Watson]

Here is an 1887 catalog cut unfortunately does not say capacity but the cylinder flute spacing looks like your sixshooter. If you can make out the ammo labels, they are .32 and .38 Merwin & Hulbert, predating .32 S&W Long by nine years.

 

[AndyUSMC1107]

Here is an 1887 catalog cut unfortunately does not say capacity but the cylinder flute spacing looks like your sixshooter. If you can make out the ammo labels, they are .32 and .38 Merwin & Hulbert, predating .32 S&W Long by nine years. View attachment 1012338

Jim, Thanx for the pic! Where did you find it? I’d really like to know. Said catalog is EXACTLY what I have! Right down to the front sight profile. I’ve possibly “fingered” out that what I have is a 6 shot XL Bulaldog, Tho the top strap doesn’t indicate “Bulldog” rollmark. Piece is indeed chambered in .32 M & H. Dimensionally “+/- “same same” as the later .32 S&W L, which accounts for being able to chamber the later S&W cartridge.

W/the help of DeadwoodJohnson, I was corrected RE: folding hammer spur...patent issued to Hopkins, not M H & Co. Piece, again RE: Deadwood..., not much in the value category...except to me.

 

[Jim Watson]

I just did the search 'Hopkins and Allen xl double action' and clicked on "images" and looked at the array of pictures. Note this one is branded as a Merwin Hulbert, but all those people were in cahoots with a lot of overlapping ownership and management.

 

[AndyUSMC1107]

I just did the search 'Hopkins and Allen xl double action' and clicked on "images" and looked at the array of pictures. Note this one is branded as a Merwin Hulbert, but all those people were in cahoots with a lot of overlapping ownership and management.

Thanx Jim! I found the image. .32 M H cartridge explains why a .32 S&W L will chamber. They’re dimensionally close to “Samey-same.”