In order to participate in the GunBroker Member forums, you must be logged in with your GunBroker.com account. Click the sign-in button at the top right of the forums page to get connected.

Hopkins & Allen ?

Gaius CaesarGaius Caesar Member Posts: 4 ✭✭
edited April 2011 in Ask the Experts
I have had this Hopkins & Allen XL no3 since my grand father passed. I have read they were produced in nickel and blued this one doesn't seem to be either. I was wondering if it has been refinished and if there is any value to it?
It is marked on the top strap
Hopkins & Allen XL No3
pat Mar. 28. 1871 Apr. 27. 1875
it is also marked 2910 under the barrel, cylinder rod, under the grips and on the grips themselves. The Cylinder rod is bent at the front of it and the cylinder rod catch is missing its spring.
Thanks for any info.
DSC01557.jpg
DSC01556.jpg
DSC01558.jpg
DSC01559.jpg
DSC01560.jpg
DSC01561.jpg
· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • rufe-snowrufe-snow Member Posts: 18,650 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    The way that the finish is so even, it looks like the original finish has been stripped off. I have seen original Nickel plated guns with a similar gray finish that have been stripped by reverse plating. If so, it probably was done for cosmetic reasons. The old suicide specials look bad when half the original nickle or blue has flaked off. With the engraving and what looks like Ivory or bone grips it probably was originally a delux model. "XL #3", probably designates it's a .32 rimfire.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • hrfhrf Member Posts: 857 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I think 90% were nickel finish, and it's probably just flaked and worn off, as it looks like small traces of nickel on rear of trigger guard and on the cylinder pin release lever. Nickel tends to flake off sooner on an engraved gun.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • rufe-snowrufe-snow Member Posts: 18,650 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by hrf
    I think 90% were nickel finish, and it's probably just flaked and worn off, as it looks like small traces of nickel on rear of trigger guard and on the cylinder pin release lever. Nickel tends to flake off sooner on an engraved gun.



    Never have seen the nickel finish flake off completely, as in the pistol in these photos. Usually it wears off, and leaves unsightly patches of nickel and bare metal. IMHO it's been deliberately cleaned in the past by someone for cosmetic purposes.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Gaius CaesarGaius Caesar Member Posts: 4 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    thanks for the info. Is there any value to this gun with the finish removed?
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • hrfhrf Member Posts: 857 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by rufe-snow
    Never have seen the nickel finish flake off completely, as in the pistol in these photos. Usually it wears off, and leaves unsightly patches of nickel and bare metal. IMHO it's been deliberately cleaned in the past by someone for cosmetic purposes.


    Yes, I said flaked and worn, and I agree it's been cleaned, but likely with 0000 steel wool and not reversal of plating.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • hrfhrf Member Posts: 857 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by Gaius Caesar
    thanks for the info. Is there any value to this gun with the finish removed?


    It's not worthless, especially with the nice ivory(?) grips, and might go $100-$150 range if working OK.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
Sign In or Register to comment.