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S&W Antiques S&W Lever Action Pistols, Tip-Up Revolvers, ALL Top-Break Revolvers, and ALL Single Shots


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Old 11-06-2013, 01:52 PM
Bimmerwork Bimmerwork is offline
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Default Help identifying a top break 38 s&w

I have a S&W 38 top break revolver serial #397450 on the butt and on the 5 hole cylinder. It was handed down from my Dad, who got it from his uncle, who was the sheriff in the small town where I grew up. The top of the 3-1/4" barrel has "Harrington &
Richardson Arms Co Worchester, Mass, USA" stamped on it. The top of the grips have a circular area with a square with a target showing five shots on it. Lower on the grip, the mounting screw is in the center of a rosett surrounded with "flower petals". Can anyone please help me identify the pistol's year of manufacture ? And possibly, some idea of the range of it's value ?
I can post photos if it would be helpful...
Thanks everyone, Will
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Old 11-06-2013, 02:35 PM
opoefc opoefc is offline
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Welcome to the Forum. You have an H&R revolver, as you have surmised. The grip logo of a target is the logo seen on their less expensive line of top break revolvers. Thousands of these guns were made from 1889 to 1940, as they sold for much less than Colt or Smith & Wesson revolvers, but were of reasonable quality for the price. They do not bring high prices, an example in near perfect condition will seldom be seen at higher than $250 at the better gun shows, however in your case the gun is priceless as a family heirloom. Based on the high serial number, I would place the manufacture date as being in the late 1920s to mid 1930s. Ed.

Last edited by opoefc; 11-06-2013 at 09:30 PM.
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Old 11-06-2013, 09:01 PM
Bimmerwork Bimmerwork is offline
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Help identifying a top break 38 s&w Help identifying a top break 38 s&w Help identifying a top break 38 s&w Help identifying a top break 38 s&w Help identifying a top break 38 s&w  
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Thanks very much for the info on the H&R revolver, that is exactly what I wanted to know. I will keep it in the family, your estimate of the manufacture date lines up with great-uncle Fred's sheriffing.
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