Help Identify H&R Hammerless .32 S&W
I've picked up another old Harrington Richardson project revolver and would appreciate some assistance in determining what model it is. Numrich has pulled their on-line viewable schematics for these old H&Rs so it is a "guessing game" on what parts to order. This revolver is a top-break, blued, five-shot, hammerless model with a single "hump" on the back of the frame. The top of the barrel is marked "Harrington & Richardson Arms Company-Worcester Mass USA Pat. Oct. 8, 1885" Left side of barrel marked, "32 S&W CTGE". Serial number range "23XXXX". This gun's frame is smaller than another old top-break exposed hammer 5-shot H&R .32, free-wheeling cylinder model that I own. Any help would be appreciated.
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this is a second model H&R Hammerless small frame 32 S&W caliber. most likely a 3rd variation although the serial number seem a bit high. but on the other hand hammerless models being produced in smaller quanities don't alway follow the norm. actually this is a very high serial number for a hammerless small frame. the highest i have recorded is 274223. with out seeing pictures i will guess in manufacture date to be between 1913 and 1924.
H&R HAMMERLESS SECOND MODEL SMALL FRAME TOP BREAK
(SMOKELESS POWDER)
1905-1941
Small Frame Double Action Hammerless Top Break revolver with double top post barrel latch; caliber and cylinder capacity, 32 S&W (5 rounds), 22 Rimfire (7 rounds); finish is nickel or blue (optional); grips are hard rubber with a target logo at the top; standard barrel length is 3 ? inch, with 4, 5 and 6 inch optional; rebounding hammer; automatic cylinder stop, caliber marking on left side of barrel.
CALIBER MARKINGS ON LEFT SIDE OF BARREL DESIGNED FOR SMOKELESS POWDER CARTRIDGE PRESSURES ONLY
First Variation, patent dates 5-14-89, 4-2-95, 4-7-96, serial number range 90000*-100000* (estimate)
1905-1906
Second Variation, patent dates 4-2-95, 4-7-96 serial number range 100000*-120000* (estimate)
1907-1909
Third Variation, patent date 10-8-95, serial number range 120000*-180000* (estimate)
1910-1913
Fourth Variation no patent dates small font use for company name. serial number range 180000*-190000*(estimate)
1914-only
Fifth variation, large font used in company name and state not spelled out (MASS), serial number range 190000*-200000* (estimate) -1915-only
Sixth Variation, state name in address spelled out (MASSACHUSETTS) serial number range 200000*-220000* (estimate)
1916-1924
Seventh Variation, new grip frame it is now same width as rest of frame no step down for grips, serial number range unknown--1925-1942
After 1930 listed in catalogs as: HAMMERLESS No. 40 TOP BREAK 22 Rimfire7 shot and HAMMERLESS No. 45 TOP BREAK 32 S&W 5 shot
VALUE: 100%=$265 60%=$75 Add 10% premium for blue finish; 20% premium 4", 5" or 6" barrel; 20% premium for 22 rimfire caliber0 -
Thanks b.goforth! A picture of the revolver is still shown on the auction side at completed listing 160293376. Do you know which of Numrich's schematics and parts lists will apply to this one? 0 -
i am not too sure of exactly what numrich calls this model, most likely small frame new model hammerless.
bill0 -
Bill,thanks. I agree, and it seems most of the "New Model" schematic illustrations match the parts. The only concern I have is the butt strap is missing the "horn" just above the grips, and the grip size is smaller than most "New Model" small frames. All I can do at this point is order what I think is right and hope. The Post Office needs the business anyway if the parts have to be returned!
I know these old H&R and Iver's have little "snob appeal" and are not worth much, but my first revolver (40 yrs ago) was a trusty .22 LR Sealed-Eight that I used while fur trapping; as a coast-to-coast trucker I carried an HR ".38 S&W Defender Special"; and lately I've found enjoyment tinkering with and restoring non-working ones. I appreciate all the help I've found here in this forum.0
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