Does your gun look like either of the bottom two shown here?
Posted on 04/16/2005 8:15:44 PM PDT by Angilyn
We found a gun at my Grandfather's house while helping him move. It's a Harrington and Richardson PAT in 89, 95, and 96. I'm assuming it's 1800's since it belonged to my Great Great Grandfather. It's a .32 with a S&W ctge. All the inscriptions are easily read. I just don't know much about this gun...nor do I know how to post pictures in here. The gun is in great condition and I can even read the serial number on the butt of the gun. Can anyone give me any help on how to find out the year of this antique?
Is this a long arm or a handgun?
The thing is probably worthless. Send it to me and I'll be glad to dispose of it on E-bay....ummmm, errrr...I mean properly.
Harrington and Richardson made sporting pieces.
Is the metal Blued/Blackened or Nickel plated?
What other markings are on it?
"American Bulldog"
"The American Bulldog"?
"The American Double Action"?
Are the markings on the metal or on the grip?
Does your gun look like either of the bottom two shown here?
All NFA rules will apply, but you'll sleep easier knowing such a dangerous firearm is off the streets.
Honest....
L
Harrington and Richardson (H&R) Firearms:There is not a lot of information available about individual models of firearms that Harrington and Richardson manufactured. Harrington and Richardson manufactured reliable utilitarian low cost firearms from 1874 when they were founded, until 1986 when they ceased production, the H&R trademark was also utilized by a new company (H&R 1871, Inc.). H&R firearms were solid and durable, but plain and cheap. Even in nice condition, there is about zero collector interest in old H&R firearms. Values are well under $100, and usually under $50.00. If there is any sentimental value we recommend that they be kept as a family heirloom from the days when people owned and used guns safely and responsibly without the need for draconian government supervision to make it "safe for our kids". The exceptions to this rule are the H&R M1 Garands and H&R U.S. Model 1873 rifles. H&R made the M1 in the 1950's and these are highly collectible. They also made a replica Model 1873 rifle, which is collectible.
A good place to find answers to firearms questions is a new site called ArmsCollectors.com try posing your question on the H&R / Iver Johnson forum there.
*Note - We would strongly advise that any old firearm should be checked by a competent gunsmith both for safety and to verify the caliber before an attempts is made to fire it.
My recollection from when I managed the Olde Sacramento Armoury and Simms Hardware's Gun Department back in the 1970s, is that H&R reused serial numbers up until the 1930s... most guns had only 4 digit serial numbers. This makes it very difficult to date any particlular H&R. About the only way was comparison of your model with other H&Rs of known provenance (dates when they were first sold) and looking for minor variations. This will get you a date within five years or so but not any closer.
OH, incidentaly, since the writing of the Oldguns.net commentary, guns such as H&R have become of more interest to collectors because premium collector guns such as Colt and Smith & Wesson values have sky-rocketed. Collectors with smaller purses cannot even hope to own a fine Black Powder Colt Single Action anymore... and have turned their collecting interests to some of the more common low-end market guns of the period like Iver Johnson and Harrington & Richardson.
You know anyone who can help this new Freeper out?
and this one from the 1906 H&R Catalog:
"
and this one is from the 1964 H&R Catalog: 
I think wardaddy and I have been over such a H&R Revolver here at FR within that past year.......maybe he has a link to the thread !
I don't......
Just a guess but.....Seven sided barrel/H&R Arms Company, Worcester, Mass, USA/32 S&W CTGE
Harrington & Richardson first introduced the Model 1904 in 1904, it was available in both .32 S&W and .38 CF calibers. The model was a typical H&R double action a solid-frame gate-loaded design with a four inch octagonal barrel, good-sized butt, and cylinder that was removed by extracting the axis pin. The 1904 was virtually indistinguishable from later H&R models 1905 and 1906. Model 1904 barrels were marked 'H & R Arms Company Worcester Mass'. Solid-frame revolvers like the Model 1904 were marketed widely in rural areas and were popular there because of their cheapness and simplicity.
Great gun forum this FR is huh !.......:o)
YUP!
I think this was the thread:
Too bad the original pictures are no longer available...
Kewl....good work ! Some of the pics are still there !!
Good references for this newbie anyway.....:o)
Stay safe , I'm off to bed !
I can play a weapons expert if you like.
:)
I created a Picturetrail album to display the pics of the gun. Hope this helps. It shoots 6, autoejecting, and is a round barrel. It looks to have a six inch barrel. It doesn't have too many markings. The round marking at the top of the handle has a square with 5 little dots. The marking around the screw in the center of the handle is a little flower or just little half circles around the screw. There is no markings at the base of the handle. Here are 4 pictures of the gun.
http://pic18.picturetrail.com/VOL880/3500768/7197838/93570012.jpg
http://pic18.picturetrail.com/VOL880/3500768/7197838/93570027.jpg
http://pic18.picturetrail.com/VOL880/3500768/7197838/93570077.jpg
http://pic18.picturetrail.com/VOL880/3500768/7197838/93570092.jpg
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