This is a .32 X. L. Double Action 6 shot .32 Calibre Rim Fire by Hopkins & Allen Manufacturing Co, with 2 ¾” barrel, fluted cylinder and hard rubber grips.
Serial number 4203 stamped on the grip frame (under the left grip), on the barrel and on the cylinder. The low number indicates this is most likely an early model in the production run.
In cleaned condition (no nickel remaining). Good working double action although hammer does not hold back in manual double action. Good cycling with solid lock up. Small chip missing from the heel of the left hand grip (only noticeable when viewing the bottom of the revolver). Side loading gate works well. I hope the pictures tell the story.
Hopkins & Allen were major arms makers c. 1868 to 1915 in Norwich, Connecticut, USA. Manufacturers of a large line of “Suicide Special” spur trigger revolvers as well as some larger models. They produced a range of revolvers that were numbered from; XL single shot, Blue Jacket No1, XL No 1, XL No 1 Blue Jacket, No 1 1/2, XL No 2, Blue Jacket No 2, through to XL No. 7 and finishing with their Martial Arms models which were the XL Navy in .38 rimfire, XL Army in .44 rimfire and the XL Police model in .38 rimfire.
In the 1870’s Hopkins & Allen became involved in manufacturing double action revolvers. The earliest revolvers were marked HOPKINS & ALLEN MFG. CO, along with the patent dates and model names. The patent date March 28, 1871 for a “swing-out cylinder” appears on many of these models, even though they did not have that feature.
There were two distinctively different loading gate designs on these early H&A double actions. Earlier models simply had a “finger-nail” groove. Later revolvers had small round knobs, which were more convenient to use than the “finger-nail” grooves.
Reference’s – HOPKINS & ALLEN Revolvers & Pistols by Charles E. Carder.
This model has the small round knob, loading gate and the top strap is stamped on four lines;
HOPKINS & ALLEN M’F’G Co PAT. MAR. 28. 71 JAN. 5. 86 X.L. DOUBLE ACTION .32 CAL RIM FIRE
The majority of these models were manufactured to accept Smith & Wesson’s centre fire cartridge, lesser quantities were manufactured to accept rim fire cartridges.
This model is made for an obsolete calibre cartridge so can be legally held in the UK as an ornament or curiosity.
Any questions, or if you’d like more photo’s please email me, only too happy to respond.
Shipping to the UK only please, NO exceptions.
Shipping via Royal Mail First Class signed for Next day Delivery and I’ll email the tracking number once posted.
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