I’m still working on “EXPRESS” research. That is the historically correct term for early hollow points during the Black Powder Era.

The transition to smokeless powder took over 15 years but during that transition there were several rounds that came and went quickly so they are hard to find and authenticate.

The photo’d smokeless EXPRESS (hollow point) round was actually for the Topbreak 38 Smith & Wesson revolver. Introduced in 1895 it has several state of the art characteristics of a much later produced hollow point.

The primary feature is the wedge shaped core. That was most definitely an improvement to the tubular core typical of the black powder EXPRESS round.

This amazing early round was discontinued almost right after introduction. It disappeared from my later catalogs and did not reappear until 1910.

This simply proves that the EXPRESS ROUND WAS USED in the top breaks during the early era. Which opens the door basically to all early revolvers.

The simple reason these rounds didn’t last is due to the smokeless problem the industry was facing during that time. It didn’t settle down until about 1907.

I’m absolutely sure though that many EXPRESS ROUNDS were in fact shot from these old top breaks! This early listing basically solidifies that position.

Murph

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