I know I've seen a table with H&R date codes in a thread, but I can't find it again even using the search function. I have 3 revolvers I'd like help with. A 22 LR Sportsman SA - SN: S 12187. A 22 LR Model 926 - SN: AR 18754. A 38 S&W Hammerless - no model number - SN: 20838. There is no prefix for that last SN. I checked the underside of the top strap and the left side of the frame - just those five numbers and no letter prefix either place. The last patent date on top of the barrel is April 7, 1896. Trigger guard is blued. Trigger is case-hardened. Revolver is 5-shot, nickel finish, and has a 4-inch barrel. Rear sight and cylinder release button on top strap are blued. Grips are black plastic with the H&R target logo. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

I continued searching and still couldn't find the H&R date code thread, so I widened my search and found the letter code info on two other forums. So I am up-to-speed on the Sportsman (1956) and the 926 (1977). Am still getting nowhere on the Nickel 4-inch 38 S&W Hammerless, SN 20838. I think it must be pre-1905, but can't find much else, other than SNs may have been in series by model or type.

The H&R Hammerless first model was made for black powder only from 1899-1904. The approximate serial number range is 01 to 45000 with the highest serial number studied at 43308.

Thanks again, alanfir! I guess I'll figure 1901/1902.

Here's something off google on Pre-War Harrington & Richardson Revolvers that I found.

https://www.armes-ufa.com/IMG/pdf/h_...cond_model.pdf

Bill Goforth's book, if you can find a copy, is the definive reference on Harrington and Richardson.

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Chief

Thanks, moosedog. That is sure interesting and very detailed material. My hammerless top-break is of the pre-1905 pattern that has no caliber markings on the barrel. All the guns covered in the material you found are from at least one generation later than mine.

Thanks, Chief. I ran across references to that book on several of the sites I went to looking for info. I think I'll look at several of the bookseller sites I frequent. Each place I found a reference to that book the scarcity of it was mentioned.