Hopkins and Allen Revolver price check?

[H Wally]

There was an inquiry as to what this particular gun is. For once I have good pictures and markings to help the identification out.

The markings: Hopkins & Allen Mfg CoPat. MOH 28.71
May 27.78XL N 6 (there is a 'o' located between the N & 6 & it is situated like a'degree' symbol)
88 Cal Centre Fire (yes, 88 is carved into the barrel) (Centre is spelt the Cdn/British/Aussie way versus US 'center')
It was found with a box of 32 S&W cartridges.

The .22 cartridge is there for size reference as well as the pen drawn ruler.

Any information and value would be greatly appreciated.

 

[mooncoon]

I would read the stamps to mean it is one of the XL series of revolvers with patent dates of 1871 and 1878. I also think you are misreading the caliber stamps and the 88 centerfire is actually 38 centerfire but you need to measure the bore diameter and chamber dimensions to confirm that it is one of various .38s. If it is a .38 the bore could be anywhere from .357 to .38 depending on what cartridge it was made for. Chamber length is also important as is the chamber diameter.
I can't find that particular one listed in Flayderman

cheers mooncoon

 

[H Wally]

I would read the stamps to mean it is one of the XL series of revolvers with patent dates of 1871 and 1878. I also think you are misreading the caliber stamps and the 88 centerfire is actually 38 centerfire but you need to measure the bore diameter and chamber dimensions to confirm that it is one of various .38s. If it is a .38 the bore could be anywhere from .357 to .38 depending on what cartridge it was made for. Chamber length is also important as is the chamber diameter.
I can't find that particular one listed in Flayderman

cheers mooncoon

I was thinking the same thing - I was sent all this info by email, it was a family heirloom from a father who died a long time back. I found a very brief entry on this site:
http://www.american-firearms.com/american-firearms/IE6/START.html

Under Hopkins and Allen it mentions a

.38 r.f. caliber, Hopkins & Allen XL no. 6, octagonal barrel, square butt grips, spur trigger, nickeled

"

As it's an heirloom they want to put it on display, but also want to deactivate it (though an antique, it would be on display in an office). Any guestimate on value before deactivation?

 

[mooncoon]

The caliber is critical in the sense that if the caliber is modern, the gun has to be extensively modified to meet the disabling requirements. On the other hand if the gun is a rimfire or not one of the named calibers, it is an antique and need only be rendered incapable of being fired. Something as simple as removing the mainspring for example which would prevent it being fired but not affect the cosmetics of the gun.

cheers mooncoon

 

[dingus]

Well i cant tell by the pics if its a 38CF or 38RF BUT if its a 38 RF its a Perscribed antique so No lic or Reg needed.

I figger they could store or display it in a Locked case with a break proof lexan glass front as long as its not Loaded.
Im not positive about that displaying part tho check with CFC


If its 38 CF then its not a Perscribed Antique and i guess they would have to Deact it, to display it.
Get them to look at the hammers tip if its pointed its CF if its like a sloted screwdriver tip its RF

is this the one that was on the Vancouver island news?

 

[sunray]

H&A revolvers have minimal collector interest. Hence low values. You'll likely find the '88' is a '.38'.

 

[mooncoon]

Well i cant tell by the pics if its a 38CF or 38RF BUT if its a 38 RF its a Perscribed antique so No lic or Reg needed.
If its 38 CF then its not a Perscribed Antique and i guess they would have to Deact it, to display it.

If the barrel says CF then it is probably a CF. Important to measure the bore and chamber dimensions because with a bit of luck they may define the caliber as one that is not on the list. I have a .44 Forehand and Wadsworth for example that appears to be a .44 evans and therefore not on the list

cheers Doug

 

[dingus]

If the barrel says CF then it is probably a CF. Important to measure the bore and chamber dimensions because with a bit of luck they may define the caliber as one that is not on the list. I have a .44 Forehand and Wadsworth for example that appears to be a .44 evans and therefore not on the list

cheers Doug

Oh i missed that Part!
Ive seen CF revolvers converted to RF tho,
its not hard to do.

But if its marked CF then most likely it is CF.

 

[mooncoon]

Oh i missed that Part!
I

We will forgive you ------------------------------------- this time. Just don't let it happen again :>) :>)

cheers mooncoon