Rare Nice AntiqueThames Arms Company .32 S&W Top-Break large Frame Revolver

Description:
Nice Antique Thames Arms Company .32 S&W Top-Break large Frame Revolver
Manufactured by Hopkins & Allen – Norwich, Connecticut
Circa 1895–1905.  SN: 5087
These were made for Black Powder cartridges only

Revolvers marked “THAMES ARMS CO.” PAT.JAN5.OCT.5.86.   were produced by the well-known American firearms manufacturer Hopkins & Allen Manufacturing Company of Norwich, Connecticut. Founded in 1868, Hopkins & Allen became one of the largest producers of inexpensive revolvers in the United States during the late nineteenth century. Their firearms were widely sold under both their own name and numerous trade names supplied to hardware dealers and large mail-order retailers.
The Thames Arms Company name was one such trade designation. The name references the Thames River, which runs through Norwich, Connecticut where the Hopkins & Allen factory was located. Revolvers bearing this marking were produced using Hopkins & Allen designs and were marketed as affordable pocket revolvers during the height of the American mail-order firearms trade. Many were distributed through large catalog houses and retailers of the era, including firms such as Montgomery Ward, which advertised similar revolvers in its catalogs during the 1890s.

Condition: This example is a typical six-shot top-break revolver chambered in .32 Smith & Wesson, featuring a double-action mechanism and automatic extractor that ejects spent cartridges when the frame is opened. The top-break design allowed rapid reloading, a popular feature in late-nineteenth-century pocket revolvers intended for personal defense.  The nickel finish is in very good condition with just some very minor scratches. A nice bore , light oxidation with evident strong rifling. unique cylinder release pin under the barrel larch sticks somewhat makes it a little difficult to remove cylinder.  All numbers are original and matching. Original black checkered grips are also in like new condition.  Mechanically works excellent in single and double action with good timing and lock-up. 
The barrel rib marking “THAMES ARMS CO.PAT.JAN.5.OCT.5.86.  32CAL” with patent references is characteristic of Hopkins & Allen trade-name revolvers produced in the mid-1890s through the early 1900s. The revolver’s serial number 5087 suggests it was produced relatively early within this trade-name series.
Revolvers of this type were widely sold as affordable personal-protection arms during the period when American catalog retailers supplied rural customers with firearms through mail-order sales. Today, Thames Arms revolvers represent an interesting example of the late-Victorian era American firearms trade and the widespread distribution of inexpensive revolvers through catalog houses and hardware merchants across the country.

Antique guns are sold as collector items only with no representation as to their safety to shoot or use.

This firearm is an antique and no FFL is required. Please include an ID for proof of age, unless you have purchased from me in the past.   It is your responsibility to make sure the item is legal in your state and you must be 21 years of age or older to purchase.

 Asking $345.    all reasonable offers considered.   If you buy more than 1 firearm from me , I will discount each addition firearm at 15% off the listing price. 

FREE USPS priority shipping will be provided.  This gun is sold "as-is" as a collectible with no warranty express or implied. and no returns.
Payment can be made with bank check, postal, money order, or personal check and must be sent within 7 days of close.
For instant payment please contact me for account info and item will be shipped as soon as funds are receive. I can take Venmo, Zelle or Cash App. For credit card purchase use the GunTab icon at checkout.  An email with tracking number will be sent as soon as item is shipped.
 

Antique: Yes
Handgun Caliber: .32 S&W, .32 S&W Long (.32 Colt New Police)
Manufacturer: Hopkins & Allen
Model: Thames Top Break
Serial Number: 5087
Barrel Length: 3 1/4"

Price: $345.00
Buy Now