Harrington & Richardson Model 1904 .38 S&W DA/SA Revolver, 2.5-Inch Octagonal Barrel, Solid-Frame
This H&R Model 1904 is a solid-frame, double-action/single-action revolver chambered in .38 S&W with a compact 2.5-inch octagonal barrel. It features a pull-pin cylinder release under the barrel, a fluted six-shot cylinder, and black checkered hard-rubber grips with H&R target-logo medallions. Produced in the 1905–1941 era and later cataloged as the Model 4 Double Action No. 83, it carries period-correct rollmarks from H. & R.
Arms Company of Worcester, Massachusetts.
Condition
Overall Condition: Fair condition, showing extensive signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Fair - Generally clean, some residue or smudges, slight corrosion.
Bore Rifling: Fair Rifling - Worn rifling, slight loss of definition.
Specific Condition Notes: There is widespread rust and pitting across the metal surfaces, along with numerous scratches and blemishes. The bore exhibits notable blemishing, though rifling remains present.
What’s Included
- Harrington & Richardson Model 1904 .38 S&W revolver
The Model 1904 uses a solid-frame design with a pull-pin cylinder release located under the barrel. This setup is typical for H&R double-action revolvers of the period and supports the compact, sturdy build of this example.
The 2.5-inch octagonal barrel is paired with fixed sights, including a half-moon front blade. The short barrel length and fixed-sight arrangement reflect its original role as a handy defensive sidearm in .38 S&W.
Factory markings include the topstrap legend "H&R DOUBLE ACTION / MODEL 1904 38 CAL" and barrel rollmarks "H. & R. ARMS COMPANY WORCESTER, MASS. U.S.A." and ".38 S & W CTGE." These inscriptions identify the model, chambering, and original maker and location.
The revolver operates in double-action/single-action with an external hammer spur. It uses a fluted cylinder built to a six-round factory specification for the .38 S&W chambering.
Period-correct details include steel construction for the frame and cylinder, fixed sights, and black checkered hard-rubber grips with H&R target-logo medallions. The model line ran from 1905 to 1941 and was later cataloged as the Model 4 Double Action No. 83, with factory finishes offered in blue or nickel.