Rough info or appresal of a H and R topbreak

[element19_98]

I recently aquired a few guns from my grandfather since he's getting up in age and knows that ive been an enthusiast for years, although my the oldest gun im my collection is a 1978 model 7 smith and wesson. Im straying off topic here, anyway the particular gun im intrested in finding out about is a Harrington and Richardson topbreak 38 standard with a 5 inch barrel. I asked him the rough date of it but he couldnt tell me specifically it was his fathers and he guessed around 1910-1915,its a beautiful gun my great grandfather must not of shot it much the bore, cylinder and origional bluing are at 98%, if any forum members could give me some info, value and or point me in a direction where i could find out more about it i would greatly appriciate it. It has no model number as I can see just a serial number on the bottom of the revolvers grip. thank you for your time and help

 

[Radagast]

It sounds like you have a H&R Automatic Ejection Double Action Revolver. The Model 2 was manufactured from 1889 to 1940, a five inch barrel was an option. Caliber is .38 S&W, not .38 S&W Special.
Original grips were checkered hard rubber, finish was nickel for the earlier guns with blue as an option in later production.
The barrel should have a full length sight rib that merges into the top strap.
The company name should be on the barrel rib, possibly patent dates as well.
Model name should be on the left side of the barrel, caliber on the right.
Per Flayderman's Guide to Antique American Firearms value in very good condition is $65, excellent condition $185.

We will need pics to positively identify it. You may also want to post them in the firearms research sub forum, as you are morel ikely to get a detailed answer there. To date it the serial number will be required, just x out the last three digits when posting it for example 5642xxx. This helps protect your privacy. You may not get a date even then, it will depend on wether a member with access to the serial number by year of production list swings by. A lot of us can help with S&W or Colt as they are popular with collectors, there are far fewer H&R collectors.

 

[element19_98]

thank you, great information you described the gun to a tee i know h and r isnt highly valued but i was curious to the value given its pristine state and its old age,but i will keep just for memories sake, again ill follow up in the sub-forum im curious to know more about this auto ejector. again thanks for the help

 

[MachIVshooter]

They're neat guns, but unfortunately not worth much. The little Iver-Johnsons, Meridens and some others are the same way. Quality is pretty good, though they're no Colt or S&W. Most such guns sold for less than $10 in their day.

Keep it, check it out good (or have it checked if you're unfamiliar), and if it's OK, shoot it. They're kinda fun to play with.