Mfg. Date and Model # for Harrington & Richardson 32 Cal Revolver

EEugene · November 22, 2018, 07:23 PM

I have an old Harrington & Richardson 32 Cal revolver that I would like to know the date of manufacture and model number, if any. Also, I would like recommendations on what type of current production ammo. I should use.
On the top rib of the 3-inch barrel is "Harrington & Richardson Arms Company. Worcester, Mass, U.S.A. Pat. Oct. 8, 1895". On the left side of the barrel is: "32 CAL S&W CTGE". This is a nickel-plated gun with a blued trigger anf guard. Serial number is 176973. 973 is stamped on the ejector end of the cylinder. Cylinder is 5-shot. Grips are two-peice black hard rubber with square targets inside circles on the top ends of both sides. It has no hammer. You have to open the gun like an old double-barrel shotgun to load it. Cylinder has an ejector for the shells that activates when the gun is opened. Thanks for helping me, if you can.

Jim Watson · November 22, 2018, 08:29 PM

It doesn't have a model number, it is simply the Harrington and Richardson .32 Hammerless. If there is an internet listing of serial numbers, I can't find it.
The little gun cost $4.00 in 1901, $14.75 in 1939. It was not returned to production after WW II.
Caliber is as written right on the gun .32 Smith & Wesson. Sometimes (incorrectly) called .32 Short but not to be confused with .32 Short Colt. l

TruthTellers · November 22, 2018, 10:25 PM

The cartridge chambering on the left side of the barrel indicates that it was made for smokeless powder, which means it was made after 1900. Five shot cylinder means it will only chamber the .32 S&W, not the .32 S&W Long. I have a 6 shot model with the chambering on the left of the barrel and it was made for .32 S&W Long.

So, since yours is for the shorter .32 S&W you can buy any .32 S&W ammo and it is safe to shoot. The lowest price .32 S&W ammo I know of is Magtech and given that these top break pocket pistols weren't built for accuracy, there's no reason to spend any more on ammo than what Magtech costs.

Here's a link to the ammo
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/16...ead-round-nose

shurshot · November 24, 2018, 04:55 AM

I have one almost identical to yours, but it has an exposed hammer. It is known as the "Premier", made in the early 40's. I'm more accurate with my slingshot. Seriously!! Lol!

EEugene · November 30, 2018, 12:20 PM

Thanks for all the great information. Can anyone narrow down the year of manufacture beyond "after 1900"?

jar · November 30, 2018, 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EEugene

Thanks for all the great information. Can anyone narrow down the year of manufacture beyond "after 1900"?

And before 1940 if that helps. IIRC in 1940 H&R started adding a date code letter to the serial number.

November 22, 2018, 07:23 PM	#1
EEugene Junior Member Join Date: November 21, 2018 Posts: 2	Mfg. Date and Model # for Harrington & Richardson 32 Cal Revolver I have an old Harrington & Richardson 32 Cal revolver that I would like to know the date of manufacture and model number, if any. Also, I would like recommendations on what type of current production ammo. I should use. On the top rib of the 3-inch barrel is "Harrington & Richardson Arms Company. Worcester, Mass, U.S.A. Pat. Oct. 8, 1895". On the left side of the barrel is: "32 CAL S&W CTGE". This is a nickel-plated gun with a blued trigger anf guard. Serial number is 176973. 973 is stamped on the ejector end of the cylinder. Cylinder is 5-shot. Grips are two-peice black hard rubber with square targets inside circles on the top ends of both sides. It has no hammer. You have to open the gun like an old double-barrel shotgun to load it. Cylinder has an ejector for the shells that activates when the gun is opened. Thanks for helping me, if you can.

November 22, 2018, 10:25 PM	#3
TruthTellers Senior Member Join Date: October 22, 2016 Posts: 3,883	The cartridge chambering on the left side of the barrel indicates that it was made for smokeless powder, which means it was made after 1900. Five shot cylinder means it will only chamber the .32 S&W, not the .32 S&W Long. I have a 6 shot model with the chambering on the left of the barrel and it was made for .32 S&W Long. So, since yours is for the shorter .32 S&W you can buy any .32 S&W ammo and it is safe to shoot. The lowest price .32 S&W ammo I know of is Magtech and given that these top break pocket pistols weren't built for accuracy, there's no reason to spend any more on ammo than what Magtech costs. Here's a link to the ammo https://www.midwayusa.com/product/16...ead-round-nose __________________ "We always think there's gonna be more time... then it runs out."

November 30, 2018, 12:20 PM	#5
EEugene Junior Member Join Date: November 21, 2018 Posts: 2	Mfg. Date for my Harrington&Richardson. Thanks for all the great information. Can anyone narrow down the year of manufacture beyond "after 1900"?

November 22, 2018, 08:29 PM	#2
Jim Watson Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2001 Location: Alabama Posts: 18,537	It doesn't have a model number, it is simply the Harrington and Richardson .32 Hammerless. If there is an internet listing of serial numbers, I can't find it. The little gun cost $4.00 in 1901, $14.75 in 1939. It was not returned to production after WW II. Caliber is as written right on the gun .32 Smith & Wesson. Sometimes (incorrectly) called .32 Short but not to be confused with .32 Short Colt. l

November 24, 2018, 04:55 AM	#4
shurshot Senior Member Join Date: August 25, 2006 Posts: 1,819	I have one almost identical to yours, but it has an exposed hammer. It is known as the "Premier", made in the early 40's. I'm more accurate with my slingshot. Seriously!! Lol!