Harrington & Richardson H&R Handy Gun .45LC/.410 Single Shot Pistol Rifled
SOLD FOR: $880
WOA#: WY231028DC006
Make: Harrington & Richardson
Model: H&R Handy Gun
Serial Number: 12434
Year of Manufacture: 1930 to 1934
Caliber: .45 Long Colt and 410g
Action Type: Breech-loading, Single Shot
Markings: The left side of the pistol is marked with “H.&R. “HANDY GUN””. The top of the barrel is marked “410-12 m/m” and on top of the tang “12434”. The right side of the pistol is marked “HARRINGTON & RICHARDSON ARMS CO WORCESTER. MASS. USA”. The left side of the barrel lug is marked “12434”.
Barrel Length: About 12.25” rifled barrel
Sights / Optics: Front bead sight. The top of the frame has a u shaped groove.
Stock Configuration & Condition: Checkered walnut “saw handle” grip with a short/plain forend. The grips have normal wear from use but it is very consistent with its age. Very Good condition for its age.
Type of Finish: Blue/Case Hardened
Finish Originality: Original, Possibly refinished barrel.
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 40% of its metal finish. The screw heads are tool marked. The markings are very crisp. There is light erosion on the receiver, barrel, and trigger guard. There is corrosion and oxidation freckled about all of the metal parts. There are scratches and scuffs. Overall, this handgun rates in about Good condition given its age.
Mechanics: The action functions perfectly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: The Harrington & Richardson Handy Gun, a remarkable piece of firearms history, originated in the early 20th century, emerging as a distinctive and practical firearm. Harrington & Richardson, an American company established in 1871, gained a reputation for producing reliable and affordable firearms, and the Handy Gun is a testament to their craftsmanship and innovation. Originally designed as a single-shot, break-open pistol, the Handy Gun was intended for utility use, making it a popular choice for farmers and outdoorsmen for tasks like pest control and small game hunting.
The historical significance of the Handy Gun is notably tied to its legal status and the changes in firearms regulations in the United States. In 1934, the National Firearms Act (NFA) reclassified the Handy Gun, along with other similar firearms, as a “short-barreled shotgun,” despite its original manufacture as a pistol. This reclassification made the Handy Gun subject to stringent regulations and taxes, effectively ending its production. The Handy Gun’s involvement in this legislative shift highlights its role in the evolving landscape of firearm regulation. Those few with the correct barrel lengths and rifling made it through unregulated and into the hands of collectors to this day.
Collectors and historians value the Harrington & Richardson Handy Gun for its unique place in firearms history and its embodiment of early 20th-century gun-making. Its compact design, ease of use, and versatility made it a favored tool in its time. Today, the Handy Gun is a sought-after collector’s item, representing a pivotal moment in American firearms history and the ongoing dialogue between gun innovation and legislation. Its legacy endures as a symbol of a bygone era of firearms manufacturing.
This will be a great pistol for a collector. The rifled barrel makes it a legal piece of history and a great example of amazing firearm craftsmanship. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! – L.S.
