Rare Antique H&R Police auto-ejecting 1st model safety hammer revolver

VERY RARE ANTIQUE nice collectable H&R Police Auto-Ejecting First Model Top Break Safety Hammer Revolver

5 shot .38 S&W

Serial number C69966. Produced 1897

Nickel finish - Matching numbers -

Double top post barrel latch - auto shell ejecting

Safety Hammer

ammo used: .38 S&W.

These were made for black powder cartridges.

The hammer thumb piece is cut away to prevent catching in the pocket. Back in the day holsters were nor used. People usually wore overcoats with deep pockets. This gun was preferred for a fast clean retrieval . BUT, frequently the gun would be fired right through the pocket. That’s something you could easily do with a revolver not a pistol with a slide. To enable the user to thumb-cock the revolver you would pull the trigger until the hammer catches the half-cock sear notch. Then you could complete the cocking with your thumb for single action.

Top of Barrel marked:

HARRINGTON & RICHARDSON ARMS COMPANY WORCESTER MASS. U.S.A. PAT.OCT.4TH.1887.MAY14.AUG.6.89APRIL2.95.APRIL.7.1896

Condition: 3 1/4” raised rib barrel with a lightly frosted bore , Minor pitting from black powder use and still showing very nice rifling. The metal surfaces are good and still retain much of the original nickel. All the correct parts are serialized to the frame. Barrel markings are clear and legible. The original black checkered hard rubber target logo grips rate very good. Barrel to frame fit is very tight with good timing and lock-up. Mechanically works well in single and double action.

This is a nice example of a seldom seen early 1st model Police safety hammer variation . This is an antique and no licence required.