H&R Handy-Gun .410 Bore Smoothbore AOW, Essex Gun Works Trade Brand, 12 in Choked Barrel
This Harrington & Richardson Handy-Gun is the smoothbore .410 variant trade-branded "Essex Gun Works," made under contract by H&R for the Belknap Hardware Company of Louisville, Kentucky. Built in the early 1920s–mid‑1930s, it is identified as an NFA Any Other Weapon (AOW). Notable features include a compact choked barrel, top-break single-shot action, and the distinctive saw-handle grip with wood fore-end.
Condition
Overall Condition: Fair condition, showing extensive signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Fair - Generally clean, some residue or smudges, slight corrosion.
Specific Condition Notes: Finish thinning on high edges. Spots of surface pitting are present on the barrel and receiver.
What’s Included
- Harrington & Richardson Handy-Gun smoothbore .410 marked "Essex Gun Works"
Made under contract by H&R for the Belknap Hardware Company of Louisville, Kentucky, this private-label hardware-store variant carries "Essex Gun Works" branding and United States origin. The period of manufacture falls within the early 1920s–mid‑1930s, aligning with the smoothbore Handy-Gun production era and its classification as an NFA Any Other Weapon (AOW).
The single-shot, top-break design uses an external hammer with a knurled spur and a single trigger. An extractor assists with unloading. Capacity is one round of .410 Bore, as configured for the smoothbore pistol format.
The steel barrel is choked and measures 12 in, with a rollmark stating "410 – 12 1/2 in CHOKE." Sight regulation is simple and effective for its purpose, with a brass front bead and no rear sight. Furniture consists of a slim wood fore-end and a checkered wood saw-handle pistol grip. The finish is two-tone: a nickel-plated receiver/frame (including topstrap and tang) paired with a blued barrel, and the overall form is notably compact (micro size).
Collector-oriented details include matching serial numbers on the tang and barrel lug, confirming factory assembly. The submodel is the Smooth-Bore; Essex Gun Works configuration, reflecting the Belknap Hardware trade brand and adding clear provenance to the piece.