Hopkins & Allen .38 Revolver ???

[David]

I friend of mine asked me to post this on THR.

He recently inherited a Hopkins & Allen Mfg. Co. revolver from his grandfather.

It says "XL Bulldog" on it and it is a .38.

It appears to have a nickel finish, and overall the gun is in fair condition.

Any information on the history of this gun and/or its current value would be appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[GaryP]

Hopkins & Allen firearms were manufactured from 1868 to 1917. I suspect the revolver you reference was manufactured in the neighborhood of 1875 - 1898 give or take a few years. The company name changed sometime in 1898 to Hopkins & Allen Arms Co.

 

[Japle]

If this is a break-top...

.... in .38 S&W, tell him not to shoot it. Many of those old guns were made for black powder and had weak locks.
Modern ammo is gonna loosen it up to the danger point pretty quick.
I had two of these things and turned them in of a gun buy-back for $50 each.

John
Cape Canaveral

 

[David]

Thanks for the info -- I will let him know.

If anyone else knows anything about this gun and its value, please post.

 

[Bear Gulch]

He may want to keep it as a wall hanger. I would worry about putting any real ammo through it. He caan see what they are auctioning for on Auction Arms divide by 2 and that's what it would be worth! Just kidding.

In reality he will likely find that it is a pretty common gunand therefore not very valuable. He may be able to market it for a good price to a cowboy action shooter.