Guys would anyone have an idea of when this was manufactured - its clearly an early one.

A .455 SIX-SHOT DOUBLE-ACTION REVOLVER SIGNED SMITH & WESSON, MODEL 'TRIPLE-LOCK', serial no. 674

Thanks

Mike

Mark I and Mark II revolvers were made for only 4 years, between 1914 and 1917, with total production of about 75,000. Mark I revolvers were made in 1914 to 1915 and 5000 were made.

S/N 358 was shipped in October 1914, as were most of the specimens with serial numbers under four digits. Some of the four-digit models also shipped in October, with most of the rest of the .455 TLs following over the next few months.

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David Wilson

You may have a misconception about 455 S&W's.
The 455- 1st Model is NOT known as the "Mark I". It is the "455- 1st Model", and it is referred to as being chambered for the "Mark II" cartridge.
The 455- 2nd Model is also a Mark II.

However, both the 1st and 2nd Model 455's have the longer chamber that will accept the older blackpowder "Mark I" cartridges. By the time of WW I, the Mark II had been standard for many years. It was a slightly higher pressure round using smokeless powder. It had a shorter case because the smokeless burned better in the smaller space. I would suppose they stuck with the longer chamber so old ammo could be used in a pinch.

Mark I on left.
Mark II on right.

Attached Images

IMG_0291.jpg (55.3 KB, 15 views)

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Regards,
Lee Jarrett

Lee - you are absolutely right - hard to break old habits. I picked up that designation somewhere years ago, but know better. Still lots to learn here, so keep it coming and maybe it will sink in someday!

.455 Hand ejector, 1st Model, ser. # 800, was shipped Oct. 21,1914, to the Brit's agent ( Remington -UMC), in caliber .455 Mark II, as one of the first 5,000 made for the Brit's. It was issued to the 53rd Squadron, Royal Flying Corp, flying as air support for the Bengal Lancers in the Mesopotamia campaign. Note that these 1st 5,000 guns were serial numbered in their own range, and duplicate the serial numbers of the 1st 5,000 Triple Locks in .44 S&W Special caliber. Ed.

Guys thanks so much for the replies - really appreciate it

Mike

Don't forget that .455 Colt uses the MK I cartridge length.
I think they got about 700 FPS from it, with MK II service loads about 620 FPS.

Texas Star,
Ditto.

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Jim
S&WCA #819

Ed,
Where did you get the information on #800?
I have #718 and it was apparently purchased out of stores by a Captain in the RAMC at about the same time. (At least it has his name engraved on it.....)

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Dean
SWCA #680 SWHF #446