Isle Target Sports Club
Two more pistols added to my collection
I've just added another two pistols to my collection - First we have a very nice pistol made by Hopkins & Allen in .32RF and a patent date of 1871. This is a "Blue Jacket Number 2" and is in working condition, nice cylinder lock. I particularly like the Ivory grips, these are undamaged with no chips. This pistol has been fired in the past but the bore is quite good with fair rifling and minor pitting. There is damage to the barrel end, probably due to corrosion from the black powder and lack of good cleaning. Nickel plating shows a great deal of ware, but considering its age (140 years) is not unreasonable.
Next, we move onto the second pistol again manufactured by Hopkins & Allen and a fancy name of "The Dictator". It has an Octagonal barrel of about 2 1/8"long as measured from the frame. What I like about this pistol is the cylinder with three knurled bands around the circumference, very attractive! The hard rubber grips are in excellent condition with no dings or chips. Nickel plating is a bit thin on the left side, but overall is not too bad. We have a patent date of 1879 on this pistol making it around 133 years old. You'll notice that the knurling on the cylinder pin looks good, truth is that a friend of mine re-knurled it but is still the original one. The bore is very good with strong rifling, likewise the cylinder bores are very good.
It was my intention to restore these pistols to original condition.But,following some advice from a notable firearm collector, re-plating would reduce their value as antiques. I will therfore leave them in the condition as bought. I still however intend to have some wooden cases made up to house them complete with a brass plaque engraved with the gun details.
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