Harrington & Richardson top break revolver info

[medicdogg]

I have a Harrington & Richardson top break revolver I would like some info on.  It is chrome/nickle plated, on tob of barrel it has Harrington & Richardson Arms Company Worchester, Mass USA. Second line on top, Pat. Oct. 4, 87, May 14 & Aug.6, 89, April 2, 95, April 7, 1896. No stamping on either side of barrel.  Auto eject, 32 caliber.  Hammer, trigger guard, trigger, and top release appear to be blued.  Serial # E29XXX.  I would like to know if it is 32 S&W or 32 S&W long.  A 32 S&W shell loads and doesnt stick past cylinder but Im just not sure.  Any other inf would be great as well.
Thanks

[32 Magnum]

Medicdogg,
With that barrel rib stamping and that serial number:  You have a 2nd Model AUTO EJECTING 5th Variation; the 'E' prefix was used in 1900 and 1901.  A serial number in the 29K range is fairly low in the observed series - so, best guess, is that your gun was made in 1900.  As such, it was made to handle BLACK POWDER loaded cartridges only (as H&R stated in their literature from that time.)  It was chambered for the .32 S&W (the short one) and .32 H&R LONG (now obsolete) black powder loads.
Standard offering was NICKEL plate, 3 1/4" barrel; 5 x .38 S&W or 6 x .32 S&W/.32 H&R Long; blued trigger guard (after mid 1897); molded, black hard rubber grip panels.  Options include:  2 1/2" (very rare), 4", 5", 6" barrel; blued finish (scarce); Mother-of-pear, checkered walnut or Ivory (extremely rare) grip panels.
Top RETAIL value will exceed $225 for ANIB with box; average condition (80% - 90% finish) will run in the $125 - $160 range - currently.
ANIB examples do show up on a very infrequent basis.

[medicdogg]

Thanks I appreciate it.  Now ill have to work up some black powder loads.
Thanks again

[32 Magnum]

You're welcome.  Glad to help out.  Thanks for thanking!

[medicdogg]

I have some aguila 32 long that chambers fine and I wonder if I can shoot them.  Everything I can find days they are 700 fps so I don't think pressure would be to high.  Any input would be appreciated.
Thanks

[32 Magnum]

medic,
Use of modern factory loads in an OLD black powder capable hand gun is NOT recommended - whether they fit or not - the detonation impulse spike is different for smokeless than black powder - the cylinder probably won't explode - but you will definitely stretch the frame - resulting in difficulty in latching the barrel and the possibility of the barrel opening up on firing.  H&R strengthened the metallurgy as well as the mechanics of their handguns circa 1905 when they switched to smokeless/nitro powder capabilities.  I have a turn of the century H&R box that once held a hinged frame AUTO LOADER.  That box w/gun must have been a black powder model sold after the intro of the smokeless models - as there is a label stuck on the end of the box, stating: "FOR USE WITH BLACKPOWDER ONLY".  So, H&R knew their weapons and made that disclaimer during a time when lawyers weren't behind every rock and tree waiting to sue.