WW2 H & R Defender 38 Revolver

• Licensing Category: Prohib
• Maker: H&R
• Model:
• Caliber/Gauge: .38 S&W


• Description:

  SN 3440 is a H&R Defender 38 Model revolver built from 1940 to 1942.  There is very little reference material on this H&R model revolver.  The top of the barrel is marked H&R Arms Co. Worcester Mass USA.  The left side is marked \Defender 38.  The right side of the barrel - 38 S&W CTCE.  The bore rates at bright ,excellent.  The blue rates as original 95% +. The author of the book" H&R Arms Co 1871-1986"  Bill Goforth states that this model was WW2 production and that very few of this model are identical.  He surmised that the specifications varied depending on what parts H&R had in stock at the time.  We have had a number of this model over the years 1963 to the present time.  One of the first pieces was purchased from a former pilot. He was issued the revolver during WW2 when he flew from Canada to Britain with ferry command delivering air craft to England.  At a later date, I acquired another example from the estate of a ferry command crew member. This revolver shows a sling swivel that was factory installed and later wrapped with thread.  We have  no doubt that this piece was purchased from H&R for the ferry command. This unit  flew large aircraft from Canada  and the USA to England.  Over 9000 aircraft were ferried circa 1941-late 1943. This item includes a J.R. Gaunt holster that fits the revolver perfectly.  The condition is identical to the revolver but we cannot say that it was issued with the same.  Prohib Status.