Harrington Richardson high grade SxS 1880's Worcester MA

[Ron Scott]

I'm trying to get information on a nice A Grade H&R SxS that I inherited from my Great Grandfather. From what I can determine all factory records are gone or least no one seems to know where I can find them. I showed the gun to Steve Cobb and Steve Barnett at the Southern. They both were unable to provide any information except that it's a nice English shotgun. I was hoping maybe someone on the forum might know something that would help me in my research. SN 1941 Anson and Deeley lock -- barrels probably imported from Westly Richards

[OH Osthaus]

what a great gun

they were made by H&R under license from Westley Richards

search for the two names together and you will find several references to the collaboration

"Also, Westley Richards licensed Harrington and Richardson in the U.S. as sole maker of the Anson and Deeley patent in the U.S. I have one of each grade of these guns and, quality wise, one cannot tell them from English produced guns. : from http://www.hunting-heritage.com/blog...chards-or-not/

on this board
http://parkerguns.org/forums/showthr...ght=harrington


other quick finds

http://www.doublegunshop.com/forums/...rue#Post382425

and a reference to a Double Gun Journal article here http://www.doublegunshop.com/forums/...rue#Post111486

[Garth Gustafson]

I seem to remember Brad Bachelder wrote an excellent story about H&R doubles in the DGJ a few years back.

[Kensal Rise]

Mr. Scott:
Your gun appears to be an A Grade H&R, or the finest they offered (similar pic attached from collection of H&R past president). Your's is in exceptional condition and is one of the VERY few guns of this grade ever made. It is RARE!

These guns were made on the 2nd Floor of H&R's plant by workmen who were either brought over from the UK and/or trained by UK craftsmen. The guns were produced under the personal guidance of William and Edwin Anson.

The basic bits for early guns may well have been shipped over from Birmingham. Especially the frames. H&R was the SOLE licensee of the A&D action in the US. And their license prevented Parker from gaining a similar license... so Parker made it's own unique hammerless double.

The full story of these guns, including photos of guns like yours (plus Bachelder's), will appear in my upcoming book, Birth of The Boxlock. The Untold Story of Anson & Deeley. Out soon from Mowbray Publishers.
gunandswordcollector.com

[Mtntopjack]

What a magnificent and gorgeous gun. You are VERY fortunate to own it.

[Ron Scott]

Originally Posted by John Campbell

Mr. Scott:
Your gun appears to be an A Grade H&R, or the finest they offered (similar pic attached from collection of H&R past president).

Are you referring to Ted Roe?

[Garth Gustafson]

Originally Posted by John Campbell

Mr. Scott:
Your gun appears to be an A Grade H&R, or the finest they offered (similar pic attached from collection of H&R past president). Your's is in exceptional condition and is one of the VERY few guns of this grade ever made. It is RARE!

These guns were made on the 2nd Floor of H&R's plant by workmen who were either brought over from the UK and/or trained by UK craftsmen. The guns were produced under the personal guidance of William and Edwin Anson.

The basic bits for early guns may well have been shipped over from Birmingham. Especially the frames. H&R was the SOLE licensee of the A&D action in the US. And their license prevented Parker from gaining a similar license... so Parker made it's own unique hammerless double.

The full story of these guns, including photos of guns like yours (plus Bachelder's), will appear in my upcoming book, Birth of The Boxlock. The Untold Story of Anson & Deeley. Out soon from Mowbray Publishers.
gunandswordcollector.com

Thanks John, I’m looking forward to your book. It’s a shame these great H&R doubles had such a short run. Years later H&R dipped their toe back into the double gun market again but this time with an inexpensive small bore hammer gun. A very serviceable and attractive $15 hardware store gun for sure but the only thing it had in common with those great Anson & Deeley boxlocks was the name.

[Ron Scott]

Originally Posted by Garth Gustafson

Thanks John, I’m looking forward to your book. It’s a shame these great H&R doubles had such a short run. Years later H&R dipped their toe back into the double gun market again but this time with an inexpensive small bore hammer gun. A very serviceable and attractive $15 hardware store gun for sure but the only thing it had in common with those great Anson & Deeley boxlocks was the name.

Obtaining information about these early high grade doubles is nearly impossible. I recently obtained a copy of H&R Arms Company 1871--1986 by Goforth. It is 628 pages long broken down into 5 parts. Part 3 "All Shotguns with Historical Data" has 1 chapter on double barrel guns which has 9 pages. Only 1/2 of 1 page is devoted to the H&R Hammerless Model 1882.

I'm currently trying to track down the other 2 book mentioned but I doubt there will be much more than a brief listing. I'd love to find out more about the company, it's board make up, and other details about the firm and these guns from that period.

[Milton C Starr]

Originally Posted by Garth Gustafson

Thanks John, I’m looking forward to your book. It’s a shame these great H&R doubles had such a short run. Years later H&R dipped their toe back into the double gun market again but this time with an inexpensive small bore hammer gun. A very serviceable and attractive $15 hardware store gun for sure but the only thing it had in common with those great Anson & Deeley boxlocks was the name.

I was reading about the H&R small bore hammer guns just last week when I was trying to find if anyone had ever made a 28 ga hammer gun . I read that they are fairly cheap compared to other vintage 28 ga sxs's when they show up for sale.

[B. Dudley]

That is a fantastic gun!
Looks like you had the gun at the NE. It would have been nice to meet you and see the gun.

I think that the H&Rs were also graded as dollar grades too. The $300 would be the highest I believe.