great gpa's h&r top break .32

troy_mclure · November 28, 2011, 10:16 PM

im trying to identify and value this revolver.

the top strap reads:
Harrington & Richardson arms company
Worcester, mass. usa. pat. oct. 4. '87. apr. 2. '95. apr. 7. '96.

the serial # is on the but of the grip(A2 5 563). its a .32(im assuming s&w short(black or smokeless?)). the cylinder and ejector read "563".

its a 5 shot, its got a 3" barrel, nickel plating on all but the trigger, guard, and hammer. the plastic grips are not broken, but there is some pitting in the barrel, cylinder face, and on the muzzle. it also has quite a few scratches.
at "half cock" the cylinder moves right and left just off the chamber, but
it locks up up fairly tight.

my great grandfather got it in the 40's because somebody owed him money, and he took it and several other items instead.
my grandmother has been diagnosed with Alzheimer so my grandfather is getting rid of all his guns.

im planning on keeping this one but would like an accurate value to pay my grandfather.
id also like to occasionally shoot it as well if i can get the right ammo.

Gbro · November 29, 2011, 12:42 AM

My Guess would be Model 2 Double action revolver.
Price would be $150-200 in excellent condition.
That would be a Black Powder cartridge but if you had the brass I would think there would be a load suitable to be fired in yours.

32 Magnum · November 29, 2011, 02:57 PM

troy,
You have a 1st Model PREMIER 5th Variation made in 1904, as indicated by the patent dates in the barrel rib stamp and the 'A' letter code preceding the serial number. This is the small frame auto ejecting revolver first made in 1895 and continued in production, in two model series, and a multitude of improvements, until the beginning of US involvement in WW2. The 1st Model was produced from 1895 thru 1904 as a 5 shot BLACK POWDER .32 S&W and a 7 shot .22 short or long (some will chamber long rifle cartridges - but the modern versions should not be fired in that model.)
Standard offering is: 3" barrel, Nickel plated; cylinder stop (keeps cylinder from "free wheeling" as found in earlier versions); 5 x .32 or 7 x .22 chambering; molded, black hard-rubber grip panels. Optional features are: 4", 5" or 6" barrel; blued finish (scarce); checkered walnut, Mother-of-Pearl and Ivory grip panels. Optional features will add extra value.
Value of this model and variation is primarily as a collectible item - because of the black powder restriction, it is not so much in demand as a shooter piece.
Current RETAIL value for a piece in V.GOOD condition (such as yours) is in the $150 to $175 range.
Here's a pic of one made around the same time as yours, that has some desireable "optional" features, including the spurless "safety hammer" which when installed on a revolver H&R used the "POLICE" designation.

IMG_1936_4.jpg

troy_mclure · November 29, 2011, 04:17 PM

thanks!

32 Magnum · November 29, 2011, 04:41 PM

Welcome!

lowbud · January 23, 2013, 05:07 PM

I know this is an old thread.. but can anyone identify this one: Serial number has 204599 on the butt as well as the breech

lowbud · January 23, 2013, 05:09 PM

It's a 6 shot 32 S&W ctge

November 28, 2011, 10:16 PM	#1
troy_mclure Senior Member Join Date: November 17, 2008 Location: gulf of mexico Posts: 2,716	great gpa's h&r top break .32 im trying to identify and value this revolver. the top strap reads: Harrington & Richardson arms company Worcester, mass. usa. pat. oct. 4. '87. apr. 2. '95. apr. 7. '96. the serial # is on the but of the grip(A2 5 563). its a .32(im assuming s&w short(black or smokeless?)). the cylinder and ejector read "563". its a 5 shot, its got a 3" barrel, nickel plating on all but the trigger, guard, and hammer. the plastic grips are not broken, but there is some pitting in the barrel, cylinder face, and on the muzzle. it also has quite a few scratches. at "half cock" the cylinder moves right and left just off the chamber, but it locks up up fairly tight. my great grandfather got it in the 40's because somebody owed him money, and he took it and several other items instead. my grandmother has been diagnosed with Alzheimer so my grandfather is getting rid of all his guns. im planning on keeping this one but would like an accurate value to pay my grandfather. id also like to occasionally shoot it as well if i can get the right ammo. __________________ There is only one tactical principle which is not subject to change. It is to use the means at hand to inflict the maximum amount of wound, death, and destruction on the enemy in the minimum amount of time."

November 29, 2011, 12:42 AM	#2
Gbro Senior Member Join Date: February 20, 2005 Location: Minnesota Posts: 2,084	My Guess would be Model 2 Double action revolver. Price would be $150-200 in excellent condition. That would be a Black Powder cartridge but if you had the brass I would think there would be a load suitable to be fired in yours. __________________ Gbro CGVS For the message of the Cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, But to us who are being saved, It Is The Power Of God. 1Corinthians 1-18

November 29, 2011, 04:17 PM	#4
troy_mclure Senior Member Join Date: November 17, 2008 Location: gulf of mexico Posts: 2,716	thanks! __________________ There is only one tactical principle which is not subject to change. It is to use the means at hand to inflict the maximum amount of wound, death, and destruction on the enemy in the minimum amount of time."

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November 29, 2011, 02:57 PM	#3
32 Magnum Member In Memoriam Join Date: January 17, 2009 Location: Eastern PA Posts: 364	troy, You have a 1st Model PREMIER 5th Variation made in 1904, as indicated by the patent dates in the barrel rib stamp and the 'A' letter code preceding the serial number. This is the small frame auto ejecting revolver first made in 1895 and continued in production, in two model series, and a multitude of improvements, until the beginning of US involvement in WW2. The 1st Model was produced from 1895 thru 1904 as a 5 shot BLACK POWDER .32 S&W and a 7 shot .22 short or long (some will chamber long rifle cartridges - but the modern versions should not be fired in that model.) Standard offering is: 3" barrel, Nickel plated; cylinder stop (keeps cylinder from "free wheeling" as found in earlier versions); 5 x .32 or 7 x .22 chambering; molded, black hard-rubber grip panels. Optional features are: 4", 5" or 6" barrel; blued finish (scarce); checkered walnut, Mother-of-Pearl and Ivory grip panels. Optional features will add extra value. Value of this model and variation is primarily as a collectible item - because of the black powder restriction, it is not so much in demand as a shooter piece. Current RETAIL value for a piece in V.GOOD condition (such as yours) is in the $150 to $175 range. Here's a pic of one made around the same time as yours, that has some desireable "optional" features, including the spurless "safety hammer" which when installed on a revolver H&R used the "POLICE" designation. IMG_1936_4.jpg

November 29, 2011, 04:41 PM	#5
32 Magnum Member In Memoriam Join Date: January 17, 2009 Location: Eastern PA Posts: 364	Welcome!

January 23, 2013, 05:09 PM	#7
lowbud Member Join Date: April 3, 2009 Posts: 49	It's a 6 shot 32 S&W ctge