Contracts & Bankruptcy: The Hopkins & Allen Model 1889 for Belgium
This video delves into the fascinating story of the Hopkins & Allen Model 1889 rifle, highlighting its connection to Belgium during World War I and the surprising business dealings that led to the manufacturer's bankruptcy. Due to the German occupation of Belgium, the nation's manufacturing base was lost, necessitating the procurement of arms from abroad. The US, at the time, was a willing supplier. Belgium secured a contract with Hopkins & Allen for 140,000 rifles and 10,000 carbines, but the unfavorable terms, including a low price and no down payment, proved disastrous for H&A. Despite delivering only around 12,000 rifles, the company went bankrupt. Marlin-Rockwell eventually took over and completed the contract, with final deliveries in late 1918. The video also touches upon the later Belgian 89/36 carbine rebuilds, making intact WWI-era Hopkins & Allen rifles a rare find.













