old h&r break top revolver

[littlefitz]

My friend just acquired this old and unfortunately neglected Harrington and Richardson break top revolver. He's not nearly as interested in firearms as I am so he asked me if I would clean it a bit for him. I don't know anything about these revolvers except what 10 minutes of internet research told me. According to what I found it seems that this revolver was made prior to 1890 since it is a model with a manual ejector. I would welcome any more information if anyone wants to chime in!
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[knight0334]

Provided those are the original grips, and that the following holds true..

It is a pre-1905 gun for sure, which makes it blackpowder cartridges. Since it has 5 chambers, it is chambered for .38S&W.

It is a Manual Ejecting 1st Model.

If the the ejector has (2) guide pins, it is a 1st Variation made between 1885-1887 (you have to push the ejector rod to see guide pins under ejector/ratchet)

If the top of the barrel has a patent date of 10-4-87, it is a 2nd Variation made between 1887-1889 (shouldn't have guide pins under extractor)

Value in that condition - <$75


The Manual Ejecting 2nd Model had a target logo type grip.

[littlefitz]

Thanks for the information.
It does indeed have the two guide pins and there is no patent date on the top of the barrel.

[mpan72]

It is a shame how badly a lot of these fine revolvers have been treated. They are very interesting and a great place to start a collection. Knight0334 is a real resource on them.