Harrington & Richardson H&R .38 S&W Top Break Hammerless  Revolver, C&R

Make: Harrington & Ricardson

Model:  Top Break Hammerless Revolver

Serial Number: 103043

Year of Manufacture: 1913-1915, C&R

Caliber: .38 S&W (Smith & Wesson)

Action Type: Double Action Only Top Break Revolver

Barrel Length: 3 1/4” Fluted Rib

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade fixed to the rib above the muzzle. The rear sight is a U-notch integral to the top latch.

Grip Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece White Mother of Pearl panels.  There are no cracks or chips. The grips fit the frame with no movement. The grips are in Fine Plus condition.

Type of Finish:  Nickle

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is semi-bright and the rifling is well defined. There is light erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates a 9 out of 10.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 85% of its original metal finish. All of the metal surfaces retain theri nickle finish, there are scattered scuffs, scratches, and surface erosion.  This is most notacable on the frame behind the cylinder.  The cylinder has a turn line. The screw heads are sharp with strong slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this revolver rates in  Very Good Plus condition.

Mechanics: The action does function correctly. The cylinder locks in each position with light play when the trigger is pressed. We did not fire this handgun. We have cleaned this firearm and performed a mechanic’s check but expect many will want to clean the firearm again depending on their standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None. 

Our Assessment: Harrington & Richardson (H&R) was a firearms manufacturer founded in 1871 by Gilbert Harrington and William Richardson in Worcester, Massachusetts, USA. Initially, the company produced various firearms, including revolvers, shotguns, and rifles, and gained a reputation for producing quality firearms at affordable prices. During World War II, H&R shifted its production to support the war effort and produced a variety of firearms for military use. After the war, the company resumed its civilian production and continued to produce firearms until it went bankrupt in 1986.

This Harrington & Richardson Top Break revolver was designed to be a simple personal pistol for the popular, low recoil .32 S&W cartridge.  To add more stoping power this model was made for the new 38 S&W cartridge.  It will be a great addition for any collector or history buff as a conversation starter about the part of American firearm history this revolver embodies. Please see our photos.

Please note: this firearm is also listed for sale on other platforms.