Old Pocket Gun

[everett]

I have a (.32 center fire) Top Break, 5 shot, double action revolver, made by Forehand Arms Co. of Worcester, Massachusetts. U.S. A. The barrel is stamped "Patented Dec. 7, 1886, Jan. 11, 1887 & Pat. applied for." The serial number--stamped on the butt and cylinder--is 5686. It has the original black grips with the initials F&W. It is in excellent shape. All parts are tight, and work smoothly. The barrel grooves are still clearly defined.

Any information you could give me as to this gun's history and value will be appreciated?

Thanks, everett

 

[Jim K]

One of the early American gun makers was Ethan Allen (no relation to the Revolutionary war hero) who went into business in 1831. Later, he was a partner in Allen & Thurber, and Allen & Wheelock. Two of Allen's daughters married Sullivan Forehand and Henry Wadsworth, and when Allen died in 1871, his sons-in-law formed the Forehand & Wadsworth Company.

They made a large variety of single shot pistols (sometimes called "Derringers" even though Henry Deringer had nothing to do with them), and revolvers in the period from 1871 through 1902, when the company was taken over by Hopkins and Allen. With the exception of their .44 caliber Army revolvers*, collector interest is minimal, with a value of around $100-150.

*Traditionally, .44 caliber revolvers were called "Army" revolvers since the Army used a .44 or .45 caliber revolver. The "Navy" caliber was .36 or .38 and revolvers in those calibers were often called "Navy" revolvers. There is no evidence that the .44 F&W revolvers were bought or used by any military organization.

Jim

 

[everett]

Thanks Jim.