POTD: The H&R 1880 – First of Many Saturday Nights
Sam.S 06.14.23
Welcome to today’s Photo of the Day! Here we have the first solid framed revolver that H&R came out with. In 1880, H&R emerged as a fledgling enterprise. During this period, their collection of handguns primarily comprised spur-trigger single-action revolvers. Introducing the Model 1880, H&R made a significant leap forward by implementing a sophisticated double-action lockwork mechanism. These revolvers were designed to accommodate both the 38 S&W and 32 S&W (currently recognized as 32 S&W Short) calibers. While the Model 1880 boasted impeccable craftsmanship and exquisite finishing, its intricate manufacturing process proved to be a costly and time-intensive endeavor. Consequently, H&R managed to produce only approximately 4,000 units of this model over a span of three years.
“This is a lovely example of H&R’s very first double action revolver retaining nearly 99% original nickel finish showing a few tiny flakes along some of the cylinder edges, some very mild operational wear and light handling marks to be expected. The sideplate screw head shows some light slot wear and there are some tool marks along the base pin head but it is relatively minor. The left side barrel shows crisp maker address and single patent date while the hammer retains lovely vibrant case-hardened colors throughout and the sides of the trigger show brilliant fire blue. The black hard rubber grips with foliate and sunburst motifs are scratch-numbered to the gun and remain in excellent condition retaining perfect fit. All of the remaining serialized parts are matching and the action seems to function well mechanically with solid timing and lock-up.”
Lot 1541 of 1197: Very Fine & Scarce Harrington & Richardson Model 1880 Double Action Revolver. (n.d.). Amoskeag Auction. photograph. Retrieved June 13, 2023, from https://live.amoskeagauction.com/m/lot-details/index/catalog/94/lot/58355?url=%2Fm%2Fsearch%3Fpage%3D469%26key%3D%26cat%3D1%26view%3Dlist.
