Author Topic: Old Pistol what is It? Need Help (Read 2807 times)

JGREG · « **on:** December 02, 2007, 08:24:24 AM »

I found this old pistol trying to identify what is please help.
Need additional info on repairing thanks in advance Jim

Please Scroll down finally have pic posted

sui generis · « **Reply #1 on:** December 02, 2007, 08:28:38 AM »

Quote from: JGREG on December 02, 2007, 08:24:24 AM

I found this old pistol trying to identify what is please help.
Need additional info on repairing thanks in advance Jim

Do we get any hints?

JGREG · « **Reply #2 on:** December 02, 2007, 08:34:50 AM »

Please scroll down finally have pic thanks for looking

JGREG · « **Reply #3 on:** December 02, 2007, 05:03:46 PM »

Scroll down finally got pic

JGREG · « **Reply #4 on:** December 02, 2007, 05:08:25 PM »

try this thanks

sui generis · « **Reply #5 on:** December 03, 2007, 04:41:59 AM »

I don't know who made it, but I know what it is.

It's the epitome of "Saturday night special."

It looks like it was made in the US ca. 1880-1920, maybe give or take a little.

Are there no markings whatsoever on it?

Is it really a 4-shooter or is that just the way the photo was taken?

It appears to be DAO.

Presumably the cylinder removes for reload.

Is it a .32 or a .38 (something)?

Is it rim or center-fire?

Are the charge holes bored straight-through or are they shouldered?

What doesn't it do now that it did new?

Considering that it probably sold for less than two bucks new, you wouldn't have to repair it to just hang it on the wall.

Just my opinion, but it's not accurate or powerful or valuable enough to be worth spending money on. I wouldn't fix it unless files and a hammer would do it.

sui generis · « **Reply #6 on:** December 03, 2007, 02:52:44 PM »

If you do get to the site http://www.collectorsfirearms.com/admin/product_details.php?itemID=43 and back up into the catalog, you will note that even *they* don't know for sure who made it.

{Is it really a 4-shooter or is that just the way the photo was taken?} >> apparently it's just the way the photo was taken.

Some people collect these things, but it's not for me.

sui generis · « **Reply #7 on:** December 03, 2007, 03:00:15 PM »

http://www.collectorsfirearms.com/admin/product_details.php?itemID=11492

Now, try this one - it appears to have exactly the spurless hammer you have.

And, they still only think it is "probably" by Forehand and Wadsworth.

coyotejoe · « **Reply #8 on:** December 04, 2007, 04:25:20 AM »

My guess would be Harrington & Richardson "safety hammer" model.

JGREG · « **Reply #9 on:** December 07, 2007, 01:26:32 PM »

Just got back home it is a 5 shooter. It loads from the right side if you are holding it pointing the barrel away. No cover on the rigt side to hold the bullets in. It appears to be a 32 caliber. Does any one know what it might be worth. Thanks for replies in advance.
Jim

30-06man · « **Reply #10 on:** December 07, 2007, 02:42:05 PM »

Can you get some more detailed pictures?

JGREG · « **Reply #11 on:** December 07, 2007, 05:55:16 PM »

Thanks I will get some tomorrow
Jim

okie john · « **Reply #12 on:** January 22, 2008, 04:54:28 PM »

Do a Google image search for "H&R Safety Hammerless." It's there.

Okie John

30-06man · « **Reply #13 on:** January 23, 2008, 11:34:46 AM »

That's not the same gun. Look at the frame and the barrel. Both are diffrent.

JGREG · « **Reply #14 on:** March 03, 2008, 04:03:48 PM »

I decided to restore the gun I will post pics when finished I appreciate the info from every one I did find out it is a 38 caliber short colt. I will restore in matte blue finish. If you find more info please let me know

Thanks Jim

30-06man · « **Reply #15 on:** March 07, 2008, 04:26:17 PM »

Quote from: JGREG on March 03, 2008, 04:03:48 PM

I decided to restore the gun I will post pics when finished I appreciate the info from every one I did find out it is a 38 caliber short colt. I will restore in matte blue finish. If you find more info please let me know

Thanks Jim

Sounds good. I would go with Rosewood grips.

Dice · « **Reply #16 on:** March 08, 2008, 10:21:05 PM »

Restore? Are you for real?

hillbill · « **Reply #17 on:** March 09, 2008, 02:23:49 PM »

aw heck id restore it, bead blast it with some of the new plastic media, reblue best you could and handload some 38 s&w rounds and keep it in the glove box. as long as it is a good sound shooting gun. good winter project.make sure the cylinder timeing is right afore you go to much trouble. make sure it will hit a bulls butt at 15 yrds and down the road yu go.

JGREG · « **Reply #18 on:** September 04, 2008, 11:45:55 PM »

Restoration almost finished I have to make grips for it no one has grips to fit.

Bead blasted several times then hot matte blue finish Looks great will start grips in near future. Thanks for replles will post pics when finished.
Jim

32 Magnum · « **Reply #19 on:** October 02, 2008, 08:09:02 AM »

It's an Harrington & Richardson American Double Action "Safety Hammer", First Model 2nd Variation. It was made before 1897 (nickle plated trigger guard, flat recoil shield and flat head hammer screw are keys). It was made to handle black powder .38 S&W loads. Serial number will be found on the grip frame cross stut under the left grip panel. Grip panels are not factory original - originals were black hard rubber or "mother-of-pearl". The "Safety Hammer" will be stamped with the Patent date: "April 5, 1887".
The cylinder pin is removed by pushing in the "blade shaped" cylinder pin retaining lever on the front of the frame, the cylinder will then fall out. Here's a couple pics:

Jim Hauff / H&R Collector