H&R - black powder revolver

I am looking for some info on this H&R barrel gun.  I had it to a gunsmith some years back - if I recall correctly, I believe it is a .32 S&W?  Can someone confirm this?  I recall him saying that it is a black powder gun, not designed for modern cartridges, but it should be okay to discharge modern cartridges from it.

There are no barrel markings on this gun, which I believe points to it's age - possibly in the late 1890s?  It looks like the serial on the butt is G52245 - I have not had much like verifying the age of the firearm with this number online.  I have not pulled the barrel out to look at the top serial number yet.


The strangest part about this gun - is what appears to be an at-home modification under the barrel - any ideas?  The gunsmith and I have no idea what it could have been used or designed for.

Thanks in advance.


-Brian

See the post here

https://www.thefirearmsforum.com/threads/h-r-manufacture-date.133687/

Apparently it’s a bit more involved than just a serial number.

If it was made after WW1 it’s likely ok to shoot with smokeless.

Wobbley wrote:See the post here


Apparently it’s a bit more involved than just a serial number.

If it was made after WW1 it’s likely ok to shoot with smokeless.

Thanks for the info.  Ever see anything like that piece added under the barrel?

I am not familiar with the old H&R revolvers, but I have read up on the old S&W safety hammerless revolvers, which were made at about the same time.  Yours looks similar, in that it is a top break style revolver.  

I would be careful using any modern ammo.  From what I have read, the top break revolvers are not as strong of a design as the current swing out style with a top strap.  If if was built before 1900, it very well may be a black powder gun.

32 S&W is a funny looking short little cartridge.  It is not the same as 32 S&W long that everyone uses in bullseye guns.

I have no idea what the modification is for.  These guns were used for concealed carry, maybe it was used to help hold the gun in a specific location.

A belt clip perhaps? Looks like it should swing down to vertical by the relief cut in it. I'd think spring loaded.

I have one similar, 'Iver Johnson's Arms and Cycle Works'. It's about 6-1/2" overall length. Cylinder free rotates until cocked. Lots of play even then.

I have a box of Rem 32 SW. Don't think I'd ever try to shoot this thing with it, or anything else.

I remember my Dad telling me about riding his Iver Johnson bicycle all over town when he was a kid.

A bayonett mount : )

I was thinking you fold it down, and stake a card cheat's hand to the table with it.

Hard to tell when that lower attachment was added but it's possible it held a small pen light. Today laser and high intensity lights are added.