Request for information

Question
Howdy!  An elderly friend gave me a small revolver.  On the top of the 2 inch barrel, it is stamped " H %26 R Arms, Worchester, MA USA"      On the left side of the barrel, it is marked "32 CAL. S %26 W CTGE     On the buttstrap? are the numbers "194693"  The grips appear to be rubber.  At the top of the grip is a bullseye target with 5 holes in it, which makes sense because this is a five shot.  Towards the bottom of the grip, it looks like flower petals with the screw as the center.  There is no hammer.  It appears as though the barrel would open in a downward fashion but I can't figure out how to do it.  The cylinder rotates clockwise.  It seems to be double action.  I would appreciate any and all information.  Thanks for the service you provide.

Answer
You indeed have a top break revolver made by H&R arms. Not alot is known about dating H&R Arms due to their funny way of marking weapons. They did not go in sequence or codes. Most top break revolvers have a safety catch type rig on top of the revolver where the top meets the back of the frame. It should be noticable to look and touch. If you pull that lever back it disengages the catch and the revolver should break in half, exposing the loading end of the cylinder. In the late 1800's, H&R arms made around 4,000-5,000 of these guns. The value of a top break revolver should go for $125 if it is in great shape, to $50 bucks if it is in terrible shape. Most of these revolvers will sell for $100 in used but cared for condition. They also made this same gun in .38 caliber.

Best of luck!