rjg@sialis.mn.org (Robert J. Granvin) (05/28/91)
Before I saunter off to a pawn shop (who won't be able to tell me anything
anyways), I thought I might check with the net to see if anyone has any
info (history and value) of a couple of revolvers in my step-fathers
possession.
Both of these handguns are identical in many respects. They are identical
in size and construction, with minor differences.
The first is a 32 calibre 5 shot. The body is stainless, or perhaps
nickel plated? The barrel is 2.5 inches long. The handle is very
small (about an inch+ wide, extending only past the middle of the
palm). Access to the chambers is by a latch on top that lets the
barrel/revolver assembly swing downward. As it does so, it ejects
the empty cartridges. There is no safety assembly.
Markings on the left side of the barrel is:
32 CAL. S. & W. CTGE
Markings on the top of the barrel are:
HARRINGTON & RICHARDSON ARMS CO.
WORCESTER, MASS. U S A
The other gun is identical save that it is a 7 shot .22. The markings
are slightly different (the left side says "PREMIER 22 RIM FIRE.") and the
top adds "PAT. APR. 2, '95 APR 7, '96").
At least one, if not both, were carried by railroad messengers. These
are not "vintage" guns as far as I know, but I am curious about them.
(And the owner is curious about their value, as he is considering parting
with them... _real_ value, not what buyers will tell you they're worth :-)
Just in case anyone has any info, I'd like to hear from them. EMAIL
PLEASE. Thanks in advance.
--
Robert J. Granvin \\\\\\\\ rjg@sialis.com : INTERNET
University of Minnesota \\\ ...uunet!rosevax!sialis!rjg : UUCP
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`Life just dished up some "Spam."'MEDELMA@cms.cc.wayne.edu (05/29/91)
The guns in question are cheap H&Rs in .32 Smith & Wesson. They were
produced in tremendous numbers and consequently have very little
collector value. Keep them and enjoy them for the family history.
--mikeDCS4@PSUVM.PSU.EDU (Dave Shaffer (814) 375-4775) (06/02/91)
I left Robert Granvin an E-mail note explaining what I know about the H&R handguns he described in this post, but the conversation prompted me to want to ask a question to two myself... 1) What exactly happened to H&R, and when? I understood they went out of business over a lawsuit, suomething involving liability involving a fatal shooting accident sometime in the mid-80s. Is any of that correct? 2) How long afterwards did New England Arms (Firearms?) appear on the scene, and how long were they a viable firm? Inquiring minds want to know.... - Dave