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H&R top break revolver questions

ea303
My grandfather gave me this revolver, he didn't know much about it, but after doing some research I've figured out it's a Harrington & Richardson top break revolver, with hammer, but I don't know much more than that. I saw that Bob Goforth is the man to see about these guns, so hopefully, he or someone else will be able to tell me more about this little guy.

The markings on the top have mostly rubbed away, what was left is what I'll post.

HARRINGTON & RICHARDSON ARMS COMPANY
WORCESTER MASS U 97 APR 2.95 APR 86

There are no markings on the left barrel, but the number under the top strap is 022807 and the number on the left side of the grip strap is 2807
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Date Votes
  • b.goforth
    H&R PREMER FIRST MODEL SMALL FRAME TOP BREAK
    (BLACK POWDER)
    1895-1904
    Small fame double action top break revolver with double top post barrel latch; calibers and cylinder capacity, 22 rimfire-7 rounds, 32 centerfire-5 rounds; Free wheeling cylinder (no automatic cylinder stop); standard finish Nickel with case harden hammer and barrel latch; standard barrel length 3 inches, with 4, 5 and 6 inches available as optional; features a scaled down version of the new frame and double action mechanism introduced in 1890 on the Auto-Ejecting Second Model, does not have caliber marking on left
    NO CALIBER MARKINGS ON LEFT SIDE OF BARREL MANUFACTURED FOR BLACK POWDER CARTRIDGE PRESSURES
    First Variation, patent dates 10-4-87, 5-14-89, 2-23-92, serial number range 01*-15,000 (estimate)
    1895-April 1896
    Second Variation, patent dates 10-4-87, 5-14-89, 4-2-95, 4-7-96, serial number range 15,000*-20,000* (estimate)
    May 1896
    Third Variation, patent dates 10-4-87, 4-2-95, 4-7-96, serial number range 20,000* to 100,000* (estimate)
    1897-1898
    Fourth Variation, automatic cylinder stop same patent dates as 3rd variation several different serial number series that may have letter codes---1899-1903
    Fifth Variation use different font in barrel markings and may have an A letter code in the serial number
    1904 -only
    VALUE: 100%=$285 60%=$75 Add 10% premium for blue finish; 20% premium 4", 5" or 6" barrel; 20% premium for 22 rimfire caliber

    this revolver seem to be a fourth variation 1899-1903 but this type of barrel markings (three patent dates) was also use on the hammerless models of the same era. not enough data has been gather to determine when diffetent letter codes were used but it is belived the O (or zero) was used before others like A were used. with out caliber markings on the barreel it is a black powder model and should not be fired with smokeless ammo.
    bill
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