Serial Number “5” Hopkins & Allen 10 inch single-shot .22 Nickel Target C&R

SOLD FOR: $850

WOA#:WY240318RU039

Make: Hopkins & Allen

Model: Target

Serial Number: 5

Year of Manufacture: 1910

Caliber: 22 Long Rifle

Action Type: Single Shot

Markings: Top side of barrel is marked “Hopkins & Allen Arms Co. Norwich. CT. U.S.A.” On the grip frame and bottom of barrel round as well as the base of the breach block  the serial number is stamped “5”. Rear of the ejector flat we see “5”. The front sight is marked “LYMAN REG.US. PATND” The Markings are still strong.

Barrel Length: 10 Inch

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a Lyman  blade sight has a different profile then other models with an Ivory beaded cylinder top, pinned and recessed into a raised base on the barrel . The rear sight is a “U” shaped notch in a windage adjustable base.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are Walnut two piece with brass colored medallions.Grips show minimal wear. The grips rate in about excellent  overall condition.

Magazine Quantity & Condition: none

Type of Finish: Nickel Finish with blued trigger guard, barrel lock releases, ejector plate, plunger and sights. Gun has case hardened trigger and hammer

Finish Originality: Factory Original

Bore Condition: The bore is grayed and the rifling is strong. There is  little to no erosion in the bore.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 97% of its original metal finish.The Case- hardened finish on the hammer and trigger appear to be original to the weapon. The barrel markings are still strong and highly visible; The screw heads are sharp. The markings are crisp and clear especially for a single digit serial number pistol. Overall, this handgun rates in about Very good to excellent condition for its age of over 100 years.

Mechanics: The action functions flawlessly. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None

Our Assessment:  Serial Number 5. We can imagine Mr. Hopkins and Mr. Allen worked on this pistol side by side. Being a single digit serial number this gun was most likely used as an example to make the production models. This pistol was made by the Hopkins & Allen Co., which started its business in 1868 in Norwich, Connecticut, USA.The Hopkins & Allen single-shot target pistol was introduced in 1913 and was later assembled by The Marlin Firearms Corporation beginning in 1922.

This single digit serial number pistol has some special features as it is one of the first ever produced. It features an adjustable notch rear sight, an ivory beaded blade front sight, and a barrel marked with the one-line Norwich address on the top round of the barrel. Later the address would be found on the left round. This pistol has a nickel finish with a case-hardened hammer and trigger. If you’re interested in collecting these unique target pistols, this Hopkins & Allen model is a more than rare find. It’s extremely challenging to come across them, especially in such good mechanical condition. The gun locks up tightly and has a smooth trigger release.There are no missing parts and this gun is highly accurate. Once again I repeat this is Serial number 5 and most likely the oldest known example of this pistol on the planet. Please enjoy taking a closer look at our pictures and have fun with the auction.

K.F.

Serial Number “5” Hopkins & Allen 10 inch single-shot .22 Nickel Target C&R
Serial Number “5” Hopkins & Allen 10 inch single-shot .22 Nickel Target C&R