H&R 32 breaktop
I've aquired a nice little H&R 32 top break, wondering if some one has more information about it. It's blued, left side of the barrel marked PREMIER 32 S.&W. CTGE. The top of the barrel is marked HARRINGTON & RICHARDSONS ARMS COMPANY WORCESTER. MASS U.S.A. PAT OCT. 8. 1895.
The right side has what appear to be proof marks, crown over BP and crown over RV on the barrel and frame. The same marks are in each flute of the cylinders. Serial number is 178351. I'm thinking the proof marks may have something to do with importing it. (I'm in Canada)
Any information would be helpful, thanks.
The right side has what appear to be proof marks, crown over BP and crown over RV on the barrel and frame. The same marks are in each flute of the cylinders. Serial number is 178351. I'm thinking the proof marks may have something to do with importing it. (I'm in Canada)
Any information would be helpful, thanks.
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The proof marks are British. Likely the revolver was imported and sold commercially into England, prior to ending up in Canada.
The "Crown over BP" was the standard proof used at the Birmingham proof facility. Couldn't find the "Crown over RV", in my reference though.0 -
Could it be a crown over BV? That would be the Birmingham inspectors mark. 0 -
That would make more sense, but I've looked with a magnifying glass and it does appear to be crown over RV. 0 -
nbanders -
I copied my answer to your question from the "other" forum on which you posted - just spreading the info out a bit more. Hope you don't mind:
nbanders,
You have a 2nd Model PREMIER SMALL FRAME 3rd Variation made between 1909 and 1913. It is chambered for the .32 S&W (the shorter one) smokeless cartridges. Blued finish in that mod and var. is scarce adding to collectibility. Barrel length (anything other than the standard 3") will add more value. This gun would top out around $290 US in the current market - lesser condition, lesser value down to under 100 bucks for parts gun.
The proof marks are for the Birmingham England proof and view house. My guess it was sent to England (sold into England) by H&R at the time of manufacture - H&R sold lots of guns to England, the Colonial Holdings and later Dominion states and at one time was licensed to "proof" guns meant for such sale at their factory in Worchester, Mass - for sale without further proof at destination. I'm not clear on whether H&R applied the markings, or if your gun was final proofed in Birmingham. In any case, you have a fine collectible item - can't tell you how it got to Canada, though.
A little more info on the physical attributes of your gun, or a couple good pics would satisfy my craving to see H&Rs from other parts of the world as well as allow better eval. of the condition and potential value.0
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