Make: Hopkins & Allen

Model: XL No.3 Single Action Revolver

Serial Number: 1446

Year of Manufacture: 1870’s-1880’s

Caliber: .32 Rimfire

Action Type: Single Action 6-Shot Revolver

Markings: The top strap is marked “HOPKINS & ALLEN M’F’G CO/ XL No.3/ PAT. MAR.28.71 APR 27.75”. The left side of the frame under the grips is marked “1446”. Under the bottom barrel flat we can find the same serial number.

Barrel Length: 2.75”

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a blade fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a U shaped notch cut into the top strap.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece smooth wood. The wood to metal fit is very good. A few light scuffs and scratches to the sides, nothing out of the ordinary for an antique. There are no notable chips or cracks to the wood. The grips are pencil numbers matching the serial number of the revolver. Overall, the grips rate in about very good condition.

Type of Finish: Blue

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is semi bright with apparent rifling. There is surface erosion spotted throughout the bore. A few patches of pitting are present. This bore rates at 5/10 in this writer’s opinion

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 40% of its original metal finish. The cylinder has retained the majority of its blue and the silver ribbon has stayed in place as well. The top strap, top flat of the barrel, and the base of the frame retain some blue that is easily observable. Most of the finish has thinned and transitioned to a pleasant brown aged patina. There are scattered freckles of oxidation. There are scattered nicks, dings, and scratches. There is typical operational wear. Some screw heads are disfigured, but most still retain serviceable slots. The markings are legible. The cylinder pin does not stay seated, but the mechanics otherwise are very strong. Overall, this handgun rates in about Very Good condition as antique.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder lock up is acceptable with some play on each chamber. The cylinder pin does not stay seated. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Our Assessment: Hopkins & Allen Arms Company was an American firearms manufacturing company based in Norwich, Connecticut, that was founded in 1868 by Charles W. Allen, Charles A. Converse, Horace Briggs, Samuel S. Hopkins and Charles W. Hopkins. The Hopkins brothers ran the company's day-to-day operations until it went bankrupt in 1916 and was subsequently bought by Marlin-Rockwell. This handgun retains about 40% of its original metal finish. The cylinder has retained the majority of its blue and the silver ribbon has stayed in place as well. The top strap top flat of the barrel, and the base of the frame retain some blue that is easily observable. Most of the finish has thinned and transitioned to a pleasant brown aged patina. The cylinder pin does not stay seated, but the mechanics otherwise are very strong.