Stocks Value

[HarpHack]

I was given what I first thought was a rather rough 3rd model top break in 38SW but when I put on better glasses I found it was an H&R wearing black period S&W stocks.

It will just haunt the safe but if the stocks are worth much then I may sell or trade them for whatever the HR should have. Left side is in great shape and the right has lost a small chunk from the butt end.

Thanks for reading.

Dean in Arkansas

 

[ACORN]

FWIW I repaired a set of old topbreak grips using Permatex black epoxy #84145. Perfect match.

 

[glowe]

Place plastic wrap on a level surface and build a small dam the shape of the missing piece. Using epoxy tinted with black paint (preferred is oil based enamel). Clean the area on the stocks where the missing piece is and pour epoxy in the dam until full. It may take a few days for the epoxy to harden fully since the paint will slow the cure rate, but when hard you can shape the area, sand with fine sandpaper and buff the repaired area.

 

[BMur]

H&R Grips

If you can post a few good photos I might have an extra H&R Topbreak grip in my parts box.

Murph

 

[HarpHack]

I believe this is my first stab at attaching pics - fingers crossed.

I am probably content to keep the S&W stocks even though they are not correct. They have doubtless been there for over a century so no need to swap them now unless they are of particular value to someone with a need. I may well tackle a patch on the one missing a chunk so thanks to the helpers above on that point.

BMur - thanks for the kind reply -I know very little about these old fellows and practically zero about H&R so the info is welcome, and if someone is hot for the S&W's then I may circle back.

Dean in Arkansas

 

[BMur]

H&R stocks

H&R followed the same pattern as Iver Johnson topbreaks. The straight main spring was replaced with a coil spring in about 1907-1912 depending on what model. So your's pre-dates that time frame.

Since it has the caliber "stamped" on the barrel? It's post 1900. So manufacture is between 1900-1912ish.. I'd also have to see the barrel address to confirm production date but the caliber stamp on the barrel didn't happen until smokeless became standardized. So its' definitely not an antique.



Murph

 

[HarpHack]

Great information Murph. It is stamped with caliber as well as a Worcester address and misc patent dates through April 7 '96.

Thanks - Dean

 

[BMur]

Dated

Dean,
Yeah that's what should be there. The next earliest variation would lack the caliber stamp on the barrel having the exact same barrel address. That would date to between 1896-1902ish. There is some overlap depending on what model.

It's interesting that yours has serial numbers stamped both under the grip frame and under the grips?

That's unusual. It might have had target type grips on it originally. Made of wood or hard rubber with extended grips. Since it has a longer barrel than standard.
I would recommend you put original grips back on this gun. It's in nice shape and would look good with the original grips.

Murph

 

[HarpHack]

Murph, you have sharp eyes considering my poor pictures - wish now I had done a better job with them.

I see that reproduction grips are not hard to find so I will certainly refit when I can. Maybe get a set of dies as well.

Sure appreciate the informative guidance. I'll post a pic when I get it re-shod.

Dean in Arkansas