H&R Hammerless First Model Small Frame .32 S&W, 2 Inch, Nickel, Top-Break DAO Revolver (c. 1899–1903)
This Harrington & Richardson Hammerless First Model, Small Frame, Variation 1 is a black-powder-era .32 S&W top-break revolver produced circa 1899–1903. It features an enclosed-hammer double-action-only system, a 2 inch barrel, and a nickel-plated finish. Identifying traits for this Variation 1 include the absence of a left-side caliber rollmark and an early production profile, making it a notable small-frame example for H&R collectors.
Condition
Overall Condition: Poor condition.
Bore Condition: Poor - Noticeable dirt, stains, significant corrosion or damage.
Bore Rifling: Poor Rifling - Rifling heavily worn or filled with fouling or debris.
The firearm is currently inoperable; the trigger does not reset on its own. There is heavy pitting throughout the frame.
What’s Included
- Harrington & Richardson Hammerless First Model Small Frame .32 S&W revolver
Built in the black-powder era, this small-frame H&R is identified as the First Model, Variation 1. The variant is recognized by the lack of a caliber marking on the left side of the barrel and its early production timeframe. It was intended for .32 S&W black-powder loads.
The revolver uses a top-break action with a double-post top latch and an automatic star extractor for rapid simultaneous ejection. It is double-action-only with an enclosed (hammerless) design, feeding from a five-shot fluted cylinder. The barrel is 2 inches, round, with a top rib.
Sighting equipment is fixed, with a half-moon blade front and an integral rear notch. The gun wears checkered black hard-rubber grip panels bearing H&R target-logo medallions on a bird’s-head grip frame.
The nickel-plated finish covers the steel frame and cylinder. The barrel rib is marked with the address "H.&R ARMS CO., WORCESTER, MASS." and the revolver was made in the United States during the 1899–1903 period.