Forehand Arms – Hopkins & Allen Top Break .32 – Antique Revolver

Forehand Arms Top Break Model .32 - Nice Finish

Manufactured: 1893+ – Caliber: .32 – 100% nickel finish

Forehand Arms Top Break collectible revolver in .32 caliber, retaining full nickel finish, excellent mechanics and original Hopkins & Allen grips.

History

Founded in 1868 in Norwich, Connecticut, Hopkins & Allen became one of the leading American manufacturers of late nineteenth-century Top Break revolvers. Its designs, developed from the patents of the 1890s, competed directly with the civilian revolvers produced by Smith & Wesson.  Following the partial destruction of its factory by fire in 1900, Hopkins & Allen merged with Forehand Arms Company. Revolvers produced under the Forehand name remained mechanically identical to the earlier Hopkins & Allen models, while the “Model 1901” marking served primarily as a commercial designation rather than indicating a new patented design.

Our Model

This Forehand Arms Top Break remains in remarkable condition. Approximately 100% of its nickel finish is retained, with only very minor losses on the cylinder. The metal surfaces display an even and attractive appearance.

The barrel address remains crisp and fully legible, as does the serial number stamped on the side of the grip frame. The trigger guard retains its original blued finish, now showing an attractive aged patina. The original gutta-percha grips are in excellent condition and proudly display the “H&A” monogram, reflecting the Hopkins & Allen heritage of this revolver.

Mechanically, the revolver is in excellent working condition. The top-break action opens with a slight resistance, suggesting very limited use over its lifetime. The revolver functions perfectly in both single and double action. The 3-inch .32 caliber barrel features a mirror-bright bore with sharp rifling.

This Forehand Arms Top Break offers an appealing alternative to contemporary Smith & Wesson revolvers, combining excellent preservation, quality manufacture and historical interest.

The revolver is accompanied by its official French National Proof House (Saint-Étienne) Category D classification certificate.