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32 Rimfire

davidukdaviduk Member Posts: 24 ✭✭
edited February 2008 in Ask the Experts
Hi

Anyone have a clue about this small rimfire. It's in .32 rimfire calibre & has PROTECTOR stamped on the top of the barrel. No other maker's markings at all.330frpf.jpg

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Comments

  • lovethemcoltslovethemcolts Member Posts: 536 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Perhaps a gun from the old Protector Arms Company?
  • captkirk3@dslextreme.comcaptkirk3@dslextreme.com Member Posts: 3,804
    edited November -1
    Protector: Trade name used by NORWICH FALLS PISTOL COMPANY on revolvers, c. 1880
  • b.goforthb.goforth Member Posts: 982
    edited November -1
    the 'pretector' name was used by the norwich pistol company 1875-1881 and norwich falls pistol company 1881-1887. norwich was one of the largest manufacturer of single action spur trigger revolvers. i have a list of 40 different brand names used by norwich. only hopkins & allen used more (50+) different names than norwich.

    there were basically three different frame sizes for these revolver and all were chambered for rimfire cartridges. the small frames were usually 7 shot 22 rimfire, the medium frames were usually 5 shot 32 (short or long) rimfire and the large frame were usually 5 shot 38 or 41 rimfires. most had barrel from 2 to 2 1/2 inches (although a few have longer barrels. there are no records that show how many of these revolvers were manufactured but it was a whole lot. iver johnson alone could manufacture 2000 a day of this type revolver and other large manufacturers (depending on the size of their factory) could almost match that. to say that millions of these revolvers were made is understating the quanities produced. even colt and remington manufactured single action spur trigger type revolver. the only company i can think of that did not offer this type revolver was smith & wesson.

    i believe these revolvers are very collectible but other do not. values will vary quite a bit from $25 for a parts gun to over $400 for one in 95%+ condition. very few of these revolver will ever be seen in 'like new in the box' condition.
    bill
  • whompusswhompuss Member Posts: 737 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    It is from Protector Arms and is a clone of the S&W model 1 1/2.
    Toyz2.jpg
  • davidukdaviduk Member Posts: 24 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    That's amazing how you guys know this stuff - I know it's not ther best of my collection but this 'mystery' gun sitting in lincolnshire, England now has some roots! Thanks everyone.
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