Description
Item Description
Bryant Ridge Auction Company is pleased to present this Limited Edition semi-auto pistol for a penny-start auction today; this is the Heckler & Koch (Imported by Harrington & Richardson) Model HK4 100th Anniversary Commemorative!
Most of the HK4 pistols were predominantly sold to civilians, with a significant portion finding their way into the U.S. market. Harrington & Richardson, Inc. (H&R) of Worcester, Massachusetts, served as the early importer of the HK4, starting its distribution in the United States. In 1971, to mark its 100th anniversary, H&R imported a special variant of the HK4 (second variant), identified by serial numbers HR00001 to HR08700. This commemorative edition featured a distinctive nameplate inscribed with the text: "Harrington & Richardson Inc. Worcester, Mass: USA Made In Germany." Adjacent to the inscription was the circular H&R logo, with "1871" to the left and "1971" to the right, symbolizing the century of the company's establishment and its centennial celebration. This limited edition underscored H&R's historical connection with the HK4 and highlighted its role in popularizing this versatile pistol among American firearms enthusiasts.
Most of the HK4 pistols were predominantly sold to civilians, with a significant portion finding their way into the U.S. market. Harrington & Richardson, Inc. (H&R) of Worcester, Massachusetts, served as the early importer of the HK4, starting its distribution in the United States. In 1971, to mark its 100th anniversary, H&R imported a special variant of the HK4 (second variant), identified by serial numbers HR00001 to HR08700. This commemorative edition featured a distinctive nameplate inscribed with the text: "Harrington & Richardson Inc. Worcester, Mass: USA Made In Germany." Adjacent to the inscription was the circular H&R logo, with "1871" to the left and "1971" to the right, symbolizing the century of the company's establishment and its centennial celebration. This limited edition underscored H&R's historical connection with the HK4 and highlighted its role in popularizing this versatile pistol among American firearms enthusiasts.
SPECIFICATIONS:
Manufacturer: Heckler & Koch (Imported by Harrington & Richardson)
Model: HK4 100th Anniversary Commemorative Combo
Serial: HR00437
Date of Manufacture: 1971
Caliber: .22 Long Rifle with Additional Serial Matching 9mmK(.380 ACP) Barrel
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 3 1/4"
Optics/Sights: Fixed
Stock/Grips: Black Checkered Synthetic with HK Logo
Action: Semi-Automatic
Markings: Features a gold plate inlaid on the left side of the slide marked "Harrington & Richardson Inc. / Worchester, Mass. USA / Made in Germany," "1871 (HK Logo) 1971," and "Mod HK4." The frame in front of the trigger guard is stamped and gold-filled "HK / 00437."
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The HK4, introduced by Heckler & Koch in the mid-1960s, stands out as a compact pocket pistol renowned for its innovative barrel-swapping capability and robust aluminum-alloy frame. Derived from the Mauser HSc design, which many of the HK founders were familiar with from their tenure at Mauser-Werke, the HK4 features a straight blowback action, a double-action trigger, and a slide-mounted safety. Notably, it incorporates an internal safety mechanism that ensures the firing pin remains disengaged from the hammer until the trigger is pulled. The HK4 is distinguished by its versatility in chambering, accommodating 6.35mm Browning (.25 ACP), 7.65mm Browning (.32 ACP), and 9mm short (.380 ACP) cartridges simply by changing the barrel, recoil spring assembly, and magazine. Transitioning to a rimfire chambering like .22 LR involves an additional step of adjusting the breech face. Despite its high manufacturing standards and ease of caliber conversion, the HK4 faced stiff competition from established pistols like the Walther PP and PPK. Nevertheless, it found success as the service weapon for West German customs and garnered popularity in civilian markets with approximately 26,550 units produced. Additionally, 12,400 units were issued to the West German police force, and 8,700 were designated for the US market, highlighting its diverse and widespread appeal during its production run.
In 1971, to mark its 100th anniversary, H&R imported a special variant of the HK4 (second variant), identified by serial numbers HR00001 to HR08700. This commemorative edition featured a distinctive nameplate inscribed with the text: "Harrington & Richardson Inc. Worcester, Mass: USA Made In Germany." Adjacent to the inscription was the circular H&R logo, with "1871" to the left and "1971" to the right, symbolizing the century of the company's establishment and its centennial celebration. This limited edition underscored H&R's historical connection with the HK4 and highlighted its role in popularizing this versatile pistol among American firearms enthusiasts.
Contents:
According to the owner, this example remains New Old Stock and we see no evidence to indicate otherwise. Additionally, it will ship with the original wooden presentation case lined with maroon velvet and featuring the 100th Anniversary logo, additional serial matching 9mmK(.380 ACP) barrel and magazine, and screwdriver.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Model: HK4 100th Anniversary Commemorative Combo
Serial: HR00437
Date of Manufacture: 1971
Caliber: .22 Long Rifle with Additional Serial Matching 9mmK(.380 ACP) Barrel
Finish: Blue
Barrel Length: 3 1/4"
Optics/Sights: Fixed
Stock/Grips: Black Checkered Synthetic with HK Logo
Action: Semi-Automatic
Markings: Features a gold plate inlaid on the left side of the slide marked "Harrington & Richardson Inc. / Worchester, Mass. USA / Made in Germany," "1871 (HK Logo) 1971," and "Mod HK4." The frame in front of the trigger guard is stamped and gold-filled "HK / 00437."
Bryant Ridge's Analysis:
The HK4, introduced by Heckler & Koch in the mid-1960s, stands out as a compact pocket pistol renowned for its innovative barrel-swapping capability and robust aluminum-alloy frame. Derived from the Mauser HSc design, which many of the HK founders were familiar with from their tenure at Mauser-Werke, the HK4 features a straight blowback action, a double-action trigger, and a slide-mounted safety. Notably, it incorporates an internal safety mechanism that ensures the firing pin remains disengaged from the hammer until the trigger is pulled. The HK4 is distinguished by its versatility in chambering, accommodating 6.35mm Browning (.25 ACP), 7.65mm Browning (.32 ACP), and 9mm short (.380 ACP) cartridges simply by changing the barrel, recoil spring assembly, and magazine. Transitioning to a rimfire chambering like .22 LR involves an additional step of adjusting the breech face. Despite its high manufacturing standards and ease of caliber conversion, the HK4 faced stiff competition from established pistols like the Walther PP and PPK. Nevertheless, it found success as the service weapon for West German customs and garnered popularity in civilian markets with approximately 26,550 units produced. Additionally, 12,400 units were issued to the West German police force, and 8,700 were designated for the US market, highlighting its diverse and widespread appeal during its production run.
In 1971, to mark its 100th anniversary, H&R imported a special variant of the HK4 (second variant), identified by serial numbers HR00001 to HR08700. This commemorative edition featured a distinctive nameplate inscribed with the text: "Harrington & Richardson Inc. Worcester, Mass: USA Made In Germany." Adjacent to the inscription was the circular H&R logo, with "1871" to the left and "1971" to the right, symbolizing the century of the company's establishment and its centennial celebration. This limited edition underscored H&R's historical connection with the HK4 and highlighted its role in popularizing this versatile pistol among American firearms enthusiasts.
Contents:
According to the owner, this example remains New Old Stock and we see no evidence to indicate otherwise. Additionally, it will ship with the original wooden presentation case lined with maroon velvet and featuring the 100th Anniversary logo, additional serial matching 9mmK(.380 ACP) barrel and magazine, and screwdriver.
Return Policy:
We gladly offer a 3 day unfired inspection policy from the time that the firearm is delivered to your FFL. Refunds are available for all qualifying orders.
Shipping Details
Handgun Standard Shipping with Insurance $50.00
Long Gun Standard Shipping with Insurance $70.00
Any orders placed with magazines that are not compliant with your state, county, or city regulations will not ship with your order.
