Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice nickel plated "Ranger No 2" .32 Rimfire revolver, made by Hopkins & Allen Mfg. Co. of Norwich, Connecticut. This company had been founded in 1868 as a firearms manufacturer by Charles W. Allen, Charles A. Converse, Horace Briggs, Samuel S. Hopkins and Charles W. Hopkins. In 1874 Converse sold his interest in the company to brothers William and Milan Hulbert, giving the Hulberts 50% of the company's assets and capital. The company became the exclusive maker of Merwin Hulbert revolvers as a result of this and assembly of these revolvers was conducted in a separate area of the plant devoted to M&H revolvers. It is for this reason the company is primarily known in relation the Hulberts, but they produced their own models as well. The company fared well for a while, but after the Hulbert brothers went bankrupt in 1896, Hopkins & Allen followed in 1898.

The "Ranger No.2" is a typical later 19th century style revolver with a "spur trigger" in .32 rimfire, fitted with a 5 shot cylinder. Designed for personal protection, the design was similar to many others of the time, and modeled after the Smith & Wesson early rimfire revolvers. Hopkins & Allen had several other names they made these under, including the highly decorated "Blue Jacket No.2" model. This example is more utilitarian, without any of the engraving or similar appointments found on the upmarket examples. It is however still nickel plated, and very attractive. It has a lovely "Bird's Head" grip with walnut or rosewood grip scales.

The serial number on this example is 5480, found on the bottom of the barrel, the rear of the cylinder, the frame under the grips, and on the inside of the right grip scale. That makes this a very nice "ALL MATCHING" example with no parts swapped out over the years. Condition is very good, with much of the original nickel plating still present and bright. It still has the original Hopkins & Allen patent address marking nicely marked on top of the frame:

The model designation is also still clear:

RANGER NO. 2

The revolver cycles great, with good indexing and a firm cylinder lockup. We did not notice any of the usual finicky behavior seen on many old revolvers. The bore is in good condition, with clear lands and grooves and a mostly bright finish, with just a bit of fouling and oxidation. The grip scales are in great shape, with no major chipping or cracks, and they still retain most of the original "Piano Varnish" finish.

A very nice late 19th century rimfire revolver in great shape. Ready to display!

Specifications: 

Year of Manufacture: c.1875
Caliber: .32cal
Ammunition Type: Rimfire Cartridge
Barrel Length: 3 inches
Overall Length: 6 3/4 inches
Action: Single Action 
Feed System: 5 Shot Revolver

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