Object Record
Images
Metadata
Catalog Number |
1938.1.1014 |
Object Name |
Pistol, Cartridge |
Description |
Silver metal 5 shot Rim Fire 32 cal. pistol with a black handle and initials G.W.T.& R, Mt. Eagle, patented March 28, 1871. Hopkins & Allen .32 Cal Rim Fire Revolver, made in Norwich, Connecticut, nickel plated, black hard rubber birds head grips, spur trigger, 2" barrel Patent date: Mar 28 1871, produced till 1880. This little beauty is a 5-shot, spur trigger revolver with most of its original nickel plating marvelously intact. It shows a barrel patent date of March 28, 1871, the name MOUNTAIN EAGLE stamped on the left side of the top strap, and the marking of the retailer on the right side of the top strap. G.W.T & R. stands for G.W. Turner and Ross, a Boston retailer. The fun was probably made by Hopkins and Allen in Norwich, Connecticut. Such guns were sold under dozens of different trade names for hardware stores and catalog sales and wound upon bedroom nightstands or under shop cash registers, "just in case". At under 6 3/4" long, it fits handily in a coat or pants pocket. The .32 Rimfire is a big brother to the .22 Rimfire. Though the bullet is considerably bigger, it is not particularly lethal as a weapon. Its value lay primarily in its scare factor. Not petty thief wants to get hurt for his troubles, and a good "BANG" will scare most threats away. For a bigger "BANG", there is also a .32 Long Rimfire cartridge, which this cylinder will accommodate. It can be loaded from the right side without removing the cylinder (a huge improvement over cap and ball revolvers) and the base pin is used to push the empty cases out. A lever on the front left side releases the base pin. |
Caption |
1014 - 5-shot pistol |
Provenance |
Owned by William H. Thompson and donated by Howard Thompson. |
Title |
Pistol, 5 shot |
Owned |
William H. Thompson |
Available Media |
Paul Nickels Report 10-16-21.pdf |