Hello,

I found a 6.5 inch barreled
British proof marked on the cylinder all around

Smith and Wesson

in .455

Underneath the .455

it was stamped again by a proof house maybe with this below:

455" . 760 "
6 tons per (symbol for a square)


is that a .455 Webley or .455 Eley round?


The gun is missing the original grips, but it is in about 75% condition + and tight

HELP?

YES! The two rounds are interchangeable.
As to value, you don't mention if it's a First Model (aka Triple Lock) or a Second Model (very similar to the US Model 1917). Value could range from mayble $300 to a thousand. Post some pics for more specifics.

__________________
Chris
SWCA #2243 SWHF #292

There is no shroud covering the ejector pin, so I believe it is a second model.

That is 2nd Model. The value of these revolvers has been rising quickly, but mostly in high finish examples. A 95% example is approaching $1000 now with correct grips, with higher finish going well beyond that price. Walnut service grips with gold S&W rounds are available if you keep looking at ebay, Gunbroker, etc.

You might see $500 for one as you describe, but original grips would help that value. This is only a guess without seeing the gun. Fiocchi .455 Webley is available and reloading dies can be found as well.

Has the cylinder been rechambered? Common changes were to .45 Colt or to .45 ACP/.45 AutoRim.

__________________
John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!

hasn't been rechambered that I can tell....

the caliber is marked like I noted in the above first post.

I know the .45 colt conversions usually X out the last 5 of the .455....

This one is still clearly there.

The price is tempting, but, with the condition being so low, I don't think I will risk it on this one with such an oddball caliber

.45 Colt conversions usually countersink (recess) rather than shave (.45 ACP). Marking, re-marking etc. is all over the map. I've looked at 3 recently none were so marked.

Hornady also loads .455 MK I. $400+/- is generally where they actually sell on the net, shooters that is. Collector specimens $750-$1100 for a second issue.

The .455 to .45 Colt that I owned back in the late '70s did not have the markings changed either.

__________________
John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!

.455 Hand Ejector, Second Models don't bring as much money as they should, which is really a shame considering their place in history. A comparable gun in .44 Special brings at least 50% more...



This .455 HE2nd has been converted by S&W in May of 1936 from .455 to .45 Colt. See the rework stamps under the stocks.



I would put the percentage of finish on this example to be about 65-70%..



However high condition .455 Hand Ejector, First Models, AKA: "Triplelock" bring really silly money (I know, because I paid it ).





This detail shows the "Triplelock" just in case you haven't seen one before...



Drew