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S&W Hand Ejectors: 1896 to 1961 All 5-Screw & Vintage 4-Screw SWING-OUT Cylinder REVOLVERS, and the 35 Autos and 32 Autos


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Old 07-04-2017, 12:18 AM
Hondo44 Hondo44 is offline
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.455 British Svc Revolver Research Thread .455 British Svc Revolver Research Thread .455 British Svc Revolver Research Thread .455 British Svc Revolver Research Thread .455 British Svc Revolver Research Thread  
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Default .455 British Svc Revolver Research Thread

THANK YOU ALL FOR THE CONTINUED ADDITIONAL DATA!

Updated 2/18/24

.455 British Svc Revolver Research Thread: Caliber stamping of British contract and earlier pre contract commercial .455s categorized by the following production versions, 0. thru 4.


0. "Rare misc. early commercial production 44 TL 1st Models factory chambered in .455."
Including a pre Brit Contract special order TL subset of 25 standard .44 1st Model TLs in the .44 serial # range chambered in .45 Eley with 5” barrels, shipped Nov. 1, 1912. Thx to Jim Fisher for bringing these to our attention and sharing documentation! See #5751 below. Maybe 40 or so misc. 455s total.
A Scarce 5 Inch 455 Triple lock shipped to Canada in April of 1915
4054 – no Cal marking, Assembly #1519 -.455 factory Bisley target model, drift adj only rear sight, 7 1/2", no medallion grips, order of 25 shipped 6/10/1909 Charles Osborne & Co., Birmingham, England, round non-factory lanyard swivel drilled thru serial #, Per SCSW these were produced in the ~4100 and 4300 range, but 4054 is close enough. Need help identifying and old S&W Revolver
5751 - Caliber is 45 Eley, shipped in 1912 in a coml order of 25, 5” guns to H. Robitsek, Canada, post #26: A Scarce 5 Inch 455 Triple lock shipped to Canada in April of 1915



1. “44 Hand Ejector-1st Model” Triple Lock, factory converted to .455 Mk II cartridge, 812 (666 military & 146 commercially sold) in the 44 Spl # series. Serial #s are listed in Neal & Jinks S&W 1857 – 1945, Pgs 204-205, known to have been stamped SMITH & WESSON but not including the 455 cal. stamp. There are 67 duplicate numbers of these in the 44 spl serial range and the type 2 TLs below. We don’t have enough of these confirmed to draw a conclusion but all of these may have the lanyard swivel drilled thru the serial # which would be the only way to determine if these 455 TLs are Type 1 or type 2 TLs.

1616 - NO CAL ROLLMARK 455, lanyard thru the serial # and restamped on grip frame, no British stamps at all (sold to an officer?), now converted to 45 Colt
2844- No rollmark, One of the 60ish duplicate serial numbers. Military acceptance/property stamps. Lanyard swivel drilled through serial number on butt and has serial number restamped under the left grip. Shipped October 21, 1914.
5755 - NO S&W or CAL ROLLMARK 455. This is the highest # known of the 67 duplicates with Category 2 guns below see # 5755), shipped March 28,1912 to Rem UMC, NY. This gun has not been found but is documented here: Letter: and Post #339 here: .455 British Svc Revolver Research Thread - Page 7
6919 - NO CAL ROLLMARK shipped Oct. 21, 1914, resides in Portugal.
7827 - NO CAL ROLLMARK, in Germany
8493 - NO CAL ROLLMARK, minimal military stampings but one of the 666, almost like NIB
9316 - NO CAL ROLLMARK Military acceptance/property stamps. Lanyard swivel drilled through serial number on butt and has serial number re-stamped under the left grip. Shipped October 21, 1914.
9337 - NO S&W or CAL ROLLMARK, shipped in 1914, lanyard swivel thru the serial # and restamped on grip frame, English proofed and stamped with export marks, converted to .45ACP by replacing cylinder and extractor with number 118267, replaced yoke and cam from TL 5366 which can be from a 44 Spl or .455 Type 2 TL (no way to tell which serial # range it’s from). Also the extractor rod knob is homemade and not an original TL knob.Posts #s 427 thru 438.
9860 – NO S&W or CAL ROLLMARK, Bisley target model with Military Target style rear sight (windage adj only), no lanyard swivel, one of the 23 converted to 45 Colt and sold commercially, shipped to Shapleigh Hardware in St. Louis, MO. on 1/1/1918. Can you help me identify? All 23 serial #s of these guns are listed as converted from 44 spls in the 44 serial # range at the factory in the group of 812, of which the rest were converted to 455; 666 for the British for use in WWI and the remaining 123 shipped commercially to Wilkinson Sword Co. Ltd. London England. S&W 1857-1945, by Neal & Jinks, pg 203.
9943- No "Smith & Wesson" or ".455" on barrel, British commercial proofs. One of the 123 shipped to Wilkinson Sword, Ltd. on October 1, 1914. Lanyard swivel drilled through serial number on butt and has serial number restamped under the left grip.
9961- No "Smith & Wesson" or ".455" on barrel, British commercial proofs. One of the 123 shipped to Wilkinson Sword, Ltd. on October 1, 1914. Lanyard swivel drilled through serial number on butt.


2. “455 Mark II Hand Ejector-1st Model” Triple Lock #1 thru at least #5802* (previously thought to be 5461, and several higher #s in this range shipped commercial).
* “The serial numbers in the .455 Hand Ejector series 5721 - 5802 are all .455 second series triple locks and were all shipped commercial generally to Canada dealers. Hope that this helps.” Roy After this shipment there were some of this model sold commercially all in the 5502 - 5857 range, but including a few military issues in that range as well.

31 – No Cal or SMITH & WESSON Rollmarks, appears to be converted to 45 Colt by shaving the cyl are reaming.
118 – shipped 1914
225 – jmaces57 has a known #225 .44 TL duplicate # owned by mrcvs Finally a Triple-Lock - the Good, the Bad and the Maybe?
263 - NO CAL ROLLMARK, converted to and marked 45 AR
272 - NO CAL ROLLMARK
319 - NO CAL ROLLMARK, in Australia Wilcock converted to a 38 target, no English stamps. Canadian broad arrow.
355 - NO CAL ROLLMARK, Factory converted to .45, and refinished R-S in rectangle in Feb 1975.
358 – NO CAL ROLLMARK, (October 1914) converted to shoot 45 Colt by recessing chambers so 455 can still be fired
444 - NO CAL ROLLMARK
489 - NO CAL ROLLMARK
718 - NO CAL ROLLMARK, 1st shipment 10/21/14 of Rem. UMC to England). Aussie gun, Engraved name sandblasted
844 - NO CAL ROLLMARK, Y4505 on frame behind trigger guard, small Interarms over Alexandria, (VA ) on left side of frame below front of cylinder
800 - .455 HE, 1st Model (Triple-lock) .455 Mark II - 10/1914
930 – NO CAL ROLLMARK, cylinder measures 1 5/8"
1055 - NO CAL ROLLMARK, converted to 45 Colt by shaving recoil shield
1277 – NO CAL ROLLMARK, shipped to REM-UMC No 23, 1914 per letter
1406 - NO S&W or CAL ROLLMARK, military issue. In England.
1709 - NO CAL ROLLMARK
1911 – NO CAL ROLLMARK, not even Smith & Wesson.
1203 – NO CAL ROLLMARK
1510 - No caliber stamp, shipped December 1, 1914, converted to 45 Colt by shaving recoil shield
1549 – NO CAL ROLLMARK
1723 - No Cal or SMITH & WESSON Rollmarks, round butted and re-blued
2013 – NO CAL ROLLMARK
2130 - No "Smith & Wesson" or ".455" on barrel, Military acceptance/property stamps. Also, marked for "sold out of stores."
2147 - NO CAL ROLLMARK, serial # not drilled thru for Lanyard, from Canada
2231 - NO CAL ROLLMARK, in Italy, city of Rimini
2373 - NO CAL ROLLMARK from Switzerland, in Germany
2426 - NO CAL ROLLMARK
2477 – NO CAL ROLLMARK
2703 – shipped 12/16/14
2747 - NO CAL ROLLMARK converted to .22 Long Rifle Triple Lock sn# 2747 chambered in .22 Long Rifle
2934 - no factory markings on barrel, "Simpson Ltd." markings on butt above serial #, shipped Dec 1914
2940 - no cal rollmark,
3075 - NO CAL ROLLMARK
3143 – NO CAL ROLLMARK, Shipped 12/16/14 to Remington Arms- Union metallic Cartridge Co.
3147 – owner says caliber stamped on right side of barrel
3240 - NO CAL ROLLMARK, military markings
3270 - NO CAL ROLLMARK, in northern Italy
3349 - no cal mark
3459 - Shipped 02 September 1913
3604 - NO CAL ROLLMARK Shipped 30 Dec 1914 to Union Metallic Cartridge Co.
3628 - NO CAL ROLLMARK converted to .45LC (recessed conversion)
3699 - NO CAL ROLLMARK, original .455 configuration. x-pennants, in & out broad arrows
3863 - NO CAL ROLLMARK
3905 - NO CAL ROLLMARK, no English proofs, the mark that looks like a big asterisk on right front is two Broad Arrows, point to point indicates that the British government purchased it, then sold it "out of stores". The column of marks on the left side, rather curvy Broad Arrow, Crown, A2 and E indicates that it was accepted into service by inspector A2 at the Royal Small Arms Factory, Enfield.
3932 - NO CAL ROLLMARK
4018 - No "Smith & Wesson" or ".455" on barrel, Military acceptance/property stamps. Also, marked for "sold out of stores." . Shipped December 30, 1914.
4172 - NO CAL ROLLMARK military shipped in 1918
4324 - NO CAL ROLLMARK
4350 - NO CAL ROLLMARK
4365 - NO CAL ROLLMARK, shipped Dec 1914
4534 - NO CAL ROLLMARK in Germany
4535 - NO CAL ROLLMARK shipped 1/7/15 English stamps, recessed chambers for .45 Colt, stamped 45 AR
4907 – NO CAL ROLLMARK shipped Jan 14,1915
5105 - NO CAL ROLLMARK
5190 - NO CAL ROLLMARK, ENGLISH/CANADIAN/AUSTRALIAN MARKINGS-Lanyard swivel/offset serial #, MADE 1915. CONVERTED FROM .455 TO .44 SPEC using a correct .44 TRIPLE LOCK Barrel #30816 marked "44 S&W SPECIAL CTG", .44 Cylinder #29507 likely from a 2nd or 3rd model .44, all matching assembly #4750, grips w/silver medallions #187962.
5253 - No cal marking. British proofs, 6 1/2", lanyard. Shipped Jan. 1915
5433 – No cal marking. British proofs, EL FAIYUM YI - L.R.D.G. ABBASSIEH CAIRO 1942 (on backstrap)
5462 - 455 barrel is not marked; English crown on barrel, in the last shipment [1915] of the model for the British Government.
5513 - 455 barrel is not marked
5642 - no caliber marking, rare commercial shipment in April 1915, converted to 45 Colt, see attached photo above:
5724 - NO CAL ROLLMARK 455, 5” single gun shipment April 28,1915, Hurd & Co., Canada A Scarce 5 Inch 455 Triple lock shipped to Canada in April of 1915
5755 - NO CAL ROLLMARK 455, from Canada shipped 6/4/15 to Colonel E.M. Edwards 1 of 25 ahipped #s 5755 thru 5776 (albeit that’s only 23 guns) commercially sold, no military, proof or export marks. It is now converted to 45 Colt, reportedly marked "45 S&W” which does not show in the photos linked to below. It’s the highest # known of the 67 duplicates with Category 1 guns above. Since this gun is known and exists and has the offset serial # and lanyard swivel is NOT drilled thru the serial #, we believe it’s a not a category 1 TL. The duplicate gun # 5755 listed in category 1 above has not been found but is listed there because it’s documented in the same letter as this gun here: Letter: See Posts #s 258, 259, 260, 263, 279, 280, 339 & 340 here: .455 British Svc Revolver Research Thread - Page 7
5788 - NO CAL ROLLMARK, Canadian 6 1/2”, 1 of 5 Com’l shipment June 4, 1915 to Hurd & Co, Canada
5792 - NO CAL ROLLMARK, converted to 45 Colt, no import, proof, etc. marks, sold commercially


3. “455 Mark II Hand Ejector-2nd Model” beginning after ~#5857 (previously thought to be 5462) thru 74755.

5907 - NO CAL ROLLMARK
6468 - SMITH & WESSON 455, cyl/breechface shaved for other .45 cal cartridge
6981 - SMITH & WESSON
7370 - SMITH & WESSON 455
7766 – NO CAL ROLLMARK
8293 No roll mark, factory converted to 38 HD at the factory, original 455 barrel and cylinder with it.
8746 - NO CAL ROLLMARK, aftermarket windage-adj-only rear sight blade and SAA Colt style adj front sight blade.
8817- Shipped 07/1915
9852 - No caliber marking, stamped and converted to 45 A.R., British proof marks on every chamber, etc.
9980 - NO CTG ROLLMARK Some Canadian military marks
10663 - NO CTG ROLLMARK, shipped to Winch for ammo testing
11516 - NO CTG ROLLMARK crossed flags, converted to .45 Colt, SN on butt not drilled through
12444 - SMITH & WESSON, no cal
12448 – NO CAL ROLLMARK, S&W only on barrel
12508 – NO FACTORY CAL ROLLMARK, converted to 45 ACP/RR, stamped ".45AP"
12523 - shipped 8/1915
12597 - NO CAL ROLLMARK
12609 – 455 marked, shipped 11/24/16 to Caverrill, Learmony & Co., Montreal, Canada, Lee Jarrett’s: The Young LT's Triple Lock .455
12691 - Roll Marked .455, no foreign proofs or US Import marks that was shipped 2/1917
13XXX – S&W but w/o .455
14337 – NO CAL ROLLMARK 10663 - NO CTG ROLLMARK, shipped to Winch for ammo testing
15543 – NO CAL ROLLMARK
16872 - no caliber roll marking, shipped to Remington Arms on Sept. 23, 1915, British markings
17320 - marked 455 left side
17551 - NO CAL ROLLMARK, found in attic in New Zealand, no English stamps
19171 - NO CAL ROLLMARK
19478 - NO CAL ROLLMARK
21273 - marked .455, shipped to the Canadian Government in Ottawa on October 14, 1915.
21938 - NO CAL ROLLMARK
22425 - NO CAL ROLLMARK
22486 - NO CAL ROLLMARK, converted to 45 Colt
22970 – NO CAL ROLLMARK
23714 - NO CAL ROLLMARK
25052 - NO CAL ROLLMARK, usual British stamps
26007 – NO CAL ROLLMARK, Nov 1915, sleeved to .38
26161 – not likely marked, the revolver was imported from Canada back in the 1970's
27465 -
27536 - "S & W .455 "Left side of Barrel, back from ctr, cylinder also measures 1 5/8"
28070 - crossed flags only, on the frame at the barrel joint
28185 – Smith & Wesson 455
28339 - NO CAL ROLLMARK, Marked 3MD on backstrap, location Australia
28839 – NO CAL ROLLMARK
29198 - caliber marked, Located in Germany
29321 – cal marked, broad arrows (accepted into and ‘deassessioned’ out of inventory), crown on heel; shipped to Ottawa, CA 12-4-15 marks here post # 5: S&W HE MK II .455 Canadian Military Marking Question
29515 - left side barrel is marked SMITH & WESSON .455, shipped in December of 1915
2980x - SMITH& WESSON .455, sold to Canada, broad arrows (accepted into and ‘deassessioned’ out of inventory), crown on heel.
29954 - stamped 455, British acceptance stamps and, I think, Australian unit stamp.
30278 - SMITH& WESSON .455.
30414 – cal marked 455 shipped Dec. 16, 1915 to Remington Arms-Union Metallic Cartridge in NY
30812, rt bbl SMITH &WESSON .455., left bbl no marks
30825 - marked "Smith & Wesson .455" on barrel, "Simpson Ltd." import markings on butt above serial #
31138 – stamped left hand side
31184 – STAMPED .455
31739 - marked 455 left side
31776 - LH side of barrel roll marked "Smith & Wesson .455.
31782 - caliber marked, converted to 45 ACP Cylinder faced off, in Germany
32131 - SMITH & WESSON .455.
33498 - caliber marked
33814 – caliber marked, possibly converted to .45 Colt
35064 - roll marked .455 on barrel Canadian C circle arrow marked
35284 - roll marked .455 on barrel
35711 - roll marked .455 on L side of bbl, shipped on Jan 6, 1916
36322 - marked 455, and London Armory very small bottom side of the barrel
36554 - 455 roll mark on barrel, converted to 45 colt
36771 - shipped in January 1916
36804 - roll marked .455
3680X - roll marked .455, shipped Jan 6, 1916
37063 - roll marked .455
37891 - roll marked .455, 2nd Model HE, known as ‘Bapty’, with detailed photos here: Indiana Jones and The Raiders of The Lost Ark screen used revolver: https://www.mrgundealer.com/shop/ind...he-bapty-47063
37923 - roll marked on left side of barrel
39XXX - roll marked .455, converted to 45 Colt the best way, and dull hard chromed
39738 - roll marked .455 on barrel x-pennants, in & out broad arrows
40096 - marked .455
40158 - SMITH & WESSON .455.
41770 – marked .455
41779 – marked .455
41893 – was marked .455, converted & re-stamped 45 Colt in place, February 3, 1916 shipped to Remington UMC
42195 - SMITH & WESSON .455.
42266 - rollmarked “Smith & Wesson .455.”
42498 - SMITH & WESSON .455.
42922 - marked .455, deactivated, on Boham’s auction, England
42949 – marked .455, converted to 45 Colt recessed
43067 - marked "Smith & Wesson .455" on left side of the barrel
43429 – Smith & Wesson .455
43769 - SMITH & WESSON 455, butt stamped with serial number twice, on each side of the lanyard hole
43807 – Smith & Wesson .455
44291 – Smith & Wesson .455
45484 - roll marked on left side of barrel
46525 – Smith & Wesson .455, remarked 45 S&W & probably converted to 45 Colt
46748 – NO CAL ROLLMARK factory 45 Colt from the group of 15, commercial shipment
47109 - SMITH & WESSON 455
48906 - SMITH & WESSON 455 Canadian marks
49346 - Smith & Wesson .455, lacks MK II stamp and associated stamps in that location, likely a commercially sold example likely by Army & Navy Co-operative Stores Society (England), not from the BSR contract for used by the military
50091 - .455 caliber, 45 SW hand stamped, Converted to 45 Colt by filing the recoil shield, fully engraved
52340 – 455 STAMPED
52908 - shipped April 1916 455 STAMPED. All three went to England.
53433 - Caliber marked "SMITH & WESSON .455, Crown over O on the butt, shipped 7/4/1916 to Canadian Govt
53468 - marked .455 on LS of barrel.
54795 – marked 455 on LS, assembly # on the butt upside down. Posts #203, 209 & 211 in this thread.
56050 – marked .455 left side
56167 - Smith & Wesson .455 left side of barrel.
56603 - marked .455 left side
57387 - NO CAL ROLLMARK shipped to Rem UMC for Great Britain
57580 - Marked S&W .455., Canadian, converted to 45 Colt, reblued, post war Magnas
58252 – Marked S&W .455., 99%, Commercial, 1 of 1105 shipped Dec. 1917 to Shapleigh Hardware, King front sight, pre war S&W 2 screw adj rear sight, .455 Second with factory target rear sight.
58547 -. shipped May 1916 “
59045 - shipped May 1916 “
59365 - caliber marked
60105 - 455 stamped
61135 - 455 stamped, converted to 45 Colt by filing the recoil shield
61801 – NO CAL ROLLMARK
62941 - marked 455 LH Side
63279 - stamped Smith and Wesson .455. on left side
63476 - stamped Smith and Wesson .455. on left side
64344 - .455 from Shapleigh Dec 1917
64290 - SMITH & WESSON .455.
65305 - Smith & Wesson .455., cyl shaved for 45 ACP/AR, extra 1917 cyl for 45 ACP/AR, marked E149.
66078 - Smith & Wesson .455, shipped July 1916
66549 - caliber marked, in Germany
66573 - marked Smith & Wesson .455.
66860 - 455 marking, shipped to Shapleigh Hardware Dec 1917
67085 – cal stamped, Shipped June, 1916, Canada marked and a trip to Australia for WWII
67087 – S&W 455 marked
67399 - .455 marked the barrel, proof mark crown over 30 Canadian on butt, double arrow in C left frame
6753X - .455 marked the barrel, only proof mark present is the crown over 30 Canadian mark on the butt
67691 - stamped .455 coml. gun shipped to Shapleigh Hardware in Dec 29, 1917
68514 - SMITH & WESSON 455
64874 - rt bbl SMITH & WESSON .455.
68995 - pending
69234 - marked Smith & Wesson .455, no martial markings or British proofs, commercially shipped
Dec 1917, to Shapleigh Hardware
69296 – Mine, Roll marked 455, converted to 45 with charge holes, drilled to smooth bore, side plate logo is different than my TLs (plainer like later vintage TLs). I converted it to a Triple Lock for the .45 S&W Special cartridge w/TL 455 barrel and post war 45 ACP cyl.
69789 – S&W 455 marked, went to Canada
70000 - S&W 455 marked, no military or import marks
71989 - marked Smith & Wesson .455
728XX – Smith & Wesson .455, shipped 7/29/16, to Canadian Government, Ottawa, Canada, converted to 45 Colt
73497 – “Smith & Wesson .455.” Shipped 29 Dec 1917 to Shapleigh & Company, (Shapleigh Hardware) St Louis, Missouri.
73536 - 455 marking
73670 – Roll marked Smith & Wesson .455., converted to 45 Colt
73778 – roll mark left side Smith & Wesson .455., now re-chambered to .45 Colt, it is stamped"45 S.W." with a Micro adjustable sight
73806 - SMITH &WESSON .455.
73938 - SMITH & WESSON .455.
74115 - no caliber roll mark, but S&W is on the barrel. Factory chambered in 45 Colt, shipped 4/13/17 to Martin Kohn
74301 – One of 724 chambered in 45 Colt shipped 5/4/1917 to Canada for the RNWMP via Phelps Dodge Mining Co. Serial range 74055 - 74754
74744 - NOT CAL ROLLMARKED, factory 45 Colt, one of the 724 shipped May 4, 1917 to the Phelps Dodge Mining Co. in New York, NY, an import/export co. and owner of the Copper Queen Mine in Arizona where it was headquartered in the late 19th century.
74755 – highest # 2nd model thought to have been made, shipped 1915-17.


4. “44 Hand Ejector-1st Model” Triple Lock chambered in .455: 691 assembled into .445s at the end of the British contract but sold on the commercial market 1916-17, built from remaining TL frames and numbered in the 44 Spl # series ~ 12,000 – 14,XXX range. Although some are known to have been shipped to or wound up in England.
9943 - TL no barrel marking, (455. .75), TOB -
12459 - cal marked, from CAN, no Gov’t stampings
124XX – cal marked, no martial stamps
12473 – sold commercially but military marked and saw military use, probably an officer’s gun
12493 - Left side of barrel marked Smith & Wesson 455
12496 – cal marked, British ordinance marks for acceptance into military; old TL inventory made 1914, shipped to commercial dealers in England, this one to Bigelow & Co, London, order of 300 revolvers, 12/6/16
12609 - shipped to Montreal, Canada in Nov 1916
12618 - stamped .455 (British proofs)
12646 – also went to Bigelow & Co, London
12685 - stamped .455 (British proofs)
12740 - Smith & Wesson .455, no British marks. Jinks' states that 325 units were shipped to SH 12/29/17
12742 – stamped, likely one of the 691 "Spare Parts" TL's produced in 1916 and possibly one of 325 shipped to Shapleigh Hardware, St Louis, MO on December 29, 1917, has been nickeled. But see #12496 above.
12747 - in shipment to Shapleigh HW; Jinks' entry states that 325 units were shipped on 12/29/17
12750 - Marked Smith & Wesson .455. No British stamps, produced in 1916, one of 325 shipped to Shapleigh Hardware, St Louis, MO Dec. 29, 1917
12768 - Marked Smith & Wesson .455. No British stamps, produced in 1916
12770 - Marked Smith & Wesson .455. No British stamps, sold in November of 2019
12787 – Marked Smith & Wesson 455, commercially sold to Shapleigh Hardware on Dec. 29, 1917, borderless logo
12833 – Roll Marked .455, no foreign proofs, Com’l model
12860 - Left side of barrel marked Smith & Wesson 455
12872 - SMITH & WESSON .455., TL
129XX - Left side of barrel marked Smith & Wesson 455
12902 - Smith & Wesson 455, no British marks
12910 – cal marked, commercial
12973 – cal marked
14752 – Grips Only
14980 – cal marked 455 TL shipped commercially 12/19/1917 to Shapleigh Hardware (see file on this one.)
15055 - TL marked 455, no Brit marks - one of the 160 units shipped to Shapleigh Hardware on Dec. 29th, 1917, and numbered in the 44 serial # range, not shipped to England, even commercially.
NO # - NOS barrel only marked SMITH & WESSON .455



Original post:
I'd like to get a handle on the proportion of caliber roll marked and unmarked British service revolvers.

I want to categorize by the following production models:

0. Misc. individually produced commercial .455s.
1. 44 Hand Ejector-1st Model Triple Lock, 846 in the 44 Spl # series factory converted to 455.
2. 455 Hand Ejector-1st Model Triple Lock #1 thru #5857 (formerly thought to be #5461.)
3. 455 Hand Ejector-2nd Model #5858 formerly #5462) thru 74755.
4. 44 Hand Ejector-1st Model Triple Lock: 691 assembled as .455s at the end of the British contract but sold on the commercial market 1916-17, numbered in the 44 Spl # series ~ 12,XXX range.

I would appreciate info from any 455 owners who'd like to participate and I'll post the results. A serial # (or partial) would be very helpful as well as whether or not it's caliber roll marked on the barrel.

Thanks all,
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Last edited by Hondo44; 02-18-2024 at 08:00 PM. Reason: 9980 - NO CTG ROLLMARK Some Canadian military marks 10663 - NO CTG ROLLMARK, shipped to Winch for ammo testing 12448 – NO CTG ROLLMARK on barrel
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Old 07-04-2017, 08:37 AM
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Jim,

I have two triple locks, neither caliber marked:

#4324 British
#5788 Canadian

Bob

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Old 07-04-2017, 09:09 AM
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Jim, I have a triple lock and a 2nd Model.

Triple Lock - 12618 - stamped .455 (British proofs)

2nd Model - 67691 - stamped .455 (this gun was one of the guns shipped to Shapleigh Hardware in December 1917)


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Old 07-04-2017, 09:21 AM
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I have three 2nd Models and all have SMITH & WESSON 455 stampings. All three went to England.

52908 shipped April 1916
58547 shipped May 1916
59045 shipped May 1916
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Old 07-04-2017, 09:21 AM
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Jim: 455 Mk2 Second Mod, #26007 Not stamped.
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Old 07-04-2017, 10:05 AM
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No markings except stamped when converted.
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Old 07-04-2017, 11:31 AM
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5105 TL NO MARKINGS
10663 NO MARKINGS SHIPPED TO WINCHESTER AMMO TEST
57387 NO MARKINGS SHIPPED TO REMINGTON FOR GB
66860 455 MARKINGS SHIPPED TO SHAPLEIGH DEC 1917
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Old 07-04-2017, 03:05 PM
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Default .455 2nd mod.

Hello Jim. I hope I have some info. you can use.2nd mod. Hand Ejector, .455 SN 12448, no roll mark on barrel. No factory letter.
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Old 07-04-2017, 06:38 PM
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2nd Mod. .455 roll mark (not converted) SN 29954, British acceptance stamps and, I think, Australian unit stamp.

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Old 07-05-2017, 04:57 AM
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Thanks for everyone's participation so far.
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Old 07-05-2017, 10:31 AM
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3. B. 455 Hand Ejector-1st Model Triple Lock. Serial #12742. Not lettered but likely one of the 691 "Spare Parts" TL's produced in 1916 and possibly one of 325 shipped to Shapleigh Hardware on December 29, 1917. Nickel refinish, correct un-numbered stocks came on the gun and later repaired by our friend DWFAN. Acquired at a Phoenix gun show in January 2014.

TL .455 12742 right.jpg TL .455 12742 left.jpg TL .455 12742 before stock repair.jpg
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Old 07-05-2017, 03:07 PM
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Don't know if this fits in or not, maybe way late in production? What do I know I'm not a collector!

I have a bbl only from a 2nd Model.
Ser# 45484
6 1/2" Long. Roll marked on the left side:
Smith & Wesson .455.
Roll marked address on top, nothing on the right side except someones scratched in initials!

No British or other Proof, Property or inspection marks.

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Old 07-05-2017, 07:26 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by red9 View Post
Jim,

I have two triple locks, neither caliber marked:

#4324 British
#5788 Canadian

Bob
Hi Bob,

Thx for your contribution above. I find TL # 5788 very interesting. Is it lettered by the way?

The serial #s are not on the list for the 812 TLs in the first category. They are both in the 2nd category Tls #1 thru #5877.
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Old 07-05-2017, 08:23 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 22hipower View Post
2nd Mod. .455 roll mark (not converted) SN 29954, British acceptance stamps and, I think, Australian unit stamp.

Jeff
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Not to butt in on Jim's research, but any chance you could post a close-up of that stamp?
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Old 07-05-2017, 10:47 PM
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Hi Jim,

a Triple Lock #3147 stamped on RHS of barrel
and a second model #37923 roll marked on LHS of Barrel

Craig
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Old 07-05-2017, 11:05 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Absalom View Post
Not to butt in on Jim's research, but any chance you could post a close-up of that stamp?
I think the 5 MD is the Australian 5th Military District and the other number is likely a rack number. Never confirmed this but the marking is similar to others I found when I researched it a couple years ago. If you or others have additional information that would be appreciated.

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Old 07-05-2017, 11:26 PM
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Hi Jeff,

you are correct about the 5th Military district. This is for Western Australia,my home state.

Craig
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Old 07-06-2017, 12:33 AM
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Jim, I have one from category 2 and one from category 3.

The TL is serial number 358, and I am going to have to dig it out and look at it to see what rollmarks it may have.

The 2nd model is number 73778. It has the original .455 rollmark, supplemented by .45 S&W, which is rollmarked slightly above and to the right of the original caliber marking.

Both guns have been converted to chamber .45 Colt. The rim thickness problem was solved on the TL by partially counterboring the cylinder and ejector star. On the 2nd model, the problem was addressed by planing the surface of the recoil shield.

The second model has also been converted to a target revolver with the addition of Micro sights, not to mention being reblued. It doesn't look bad for what it is, but it is a long way from being original.
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Old 07-06-2017, 12:36 AM
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Jeff and Craig, thanks to both of you.
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Old 07-06-2017, 04:34 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Gun_Mad View Post
Hi Jim,

a Triple Lock #3147 stamped on RHS of barrel
and a second model #37923 roll marked on LHS of Barrel

Craig
Thank you Craig.
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Old 07-07-2017, 11:40 AM
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Mk II serial number 15543. No calibre markings.

Mk II serial number 31138. On the LHS of the barrel to the right of Smith & Wesson .455.

I see that 215hq (post #12) has a barrel that also has the full stop after the 455

Peter
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Old 07-07-2017, 03:49 PM
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#1. MKII - 17320 - Marked 455 LHS - Blue Refinish - "Well Done" 45LC Conversion - All Proper British & Canadian Marks - Canadian Argyle Light Infantry Marked - Canadian Royal Military College Marked








#2. - MKII - 31739 - Marked 455 LHS - Original Blue - Original Chambering - One Canadian Mark Only (Crown 30) at Butt Near Toe - About Mint




Hope this is helpful Sir.
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Old 07-07-2017, 03:58 PM
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Mk II serial number 15543. No calibre markings.

Mk II serial number 31138. On the LHS of the barrel to the right of Smith & Wesson .455.

I see that 215hq (post #12) has a barrel that also has the full stop after the 455

Peter
PJGP,

Thank you.

Sorry, don't no what you mean by "...has the full stop after the 455."
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Old 07-08-2017, 08:17 AM
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Jim,

I realize that #5788 does not fit in the known range. I did not letter it, thinking most of it's collector value was lost in the rechambering to .45 Colt. Like David's, it is stamped"45 S&W."

Bob
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Old 07-08-2017, 01:21 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Hondo44 View Post
PJGP, Thank you.
Sorry, don't no what you mean by "...has the full stop after the 455."
OK, in my post the full stop after the .455 is not the end of the sentence, but the full stop stamped on the gun! The calibre stamp is ".455." I should have made that clearer.

Peter
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Old 07-08-2017, 02:21 PM
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Quote:
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OK, in my post the full stop after the .455 is not the end of the sentence, but the full stop stamped on the gun! The calibre stamp is ".455." I should have made that clearer.

Peter
Jim:

Just a hunch, but you may not be aware that "full stop" is the King's English for "period" .....
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Old 07-08-2017, 08:33 PM
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I have a 2nd Model #40096, marked .455, with Canadian markings and and British proofs.
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Old 07-08-2017, 09:32 PM
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From memory, it seems like back in the 1915 time frame, periods were used on S&Ws a lot more than in later years:
S. & W.
U.S.A.
and of course "Smith & Wesson .455." as in the photo below.
All I can say is that things were more formal then(?) And that line was considered enough of a sentence to need a period(?)
.455 Hand Ejector Second Model Question-sam_1710-jpg
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Old 07-08-2017, 11:09 PM
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1st Model TL #1203 - Not caliber marked
2nd Model He - #53468 - Marked .455 on LS of barrel.

Hope this helps on your database. Mike
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Old 07-08-2017, 11:41 PM
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Jim: I have 2nd Model .455 on left side of barrel serial # 61801 - no additional marks of any kind.
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Old 07-08-2017, 11:47 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Absalom View Post
Jim:

Just a hunch, but you may not be aware that "full stop" is the King's English for "period" .....
LOL, no I was not. Thank you!
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Old 07-09-2017, 01:06 AM
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Hello, my Smith is marked Smith & Wesson .455. on left side of the barrel.
Serial number on butt 43067. On the right side in front of the trigger guard are the numbers 3 above 103. Marked at the toe of the blackstrap is 3 M D. I was told by the seller it was Australian also. Thank you for sharing with us!

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Old 07-09-2017, 02:54 AM
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See post #1 for the latest databank update.
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Old 07-09-2017, 09:00 AM
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S&W 2nd mod. Hand Ejector ser.# 56603 marked .455. on left side of barrel.
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Old 07-09-2017, 09:07 AM
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I should have been more clear in my first post. The left side of the barrel of # 12448 is marked "Smith & Wesson", but not cartridge marked. Sorry for any confusion.
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Old 07-09-2017, 01:02 PM
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Jim, update on .455 TL No. 358. The only rollmark on the barrel consists of the patent dates on top. No corporate identity on right side, no caliber rollmark on left side.

To clarify the markings on my converted second model No. 73778, the original left side caliber rollmark reads SMITH & WESSON .455. (yes, a period follows the numerals). There is no rollmark on the right side. Above the original caliber marking is the much lighter rollmark CAL. 45 S.W. with no ampersand and no decimal points before or after the numerals. I still wonder if this means there was an intermediate conversion to the .45 Schofield (or S&W) round before the chambers were lengthened once more to take the .45 Colt rounds that the revolver chambers today.
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Old 07-09-2017, 01:07 PM
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I should add that # 56603 also has "Smith&Wesson" as well as .455. on left side of barrel.
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Old 07-09-2017, 01:15 PM
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Quote:
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LOL, no I was not. Thank you!
Actually it is the Queens English at present, and has been since 1952!

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Old 07-09-2017, 01:42 PM
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Quote:
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Actually it is the Queens English at present, and has been since 1952!

Cheers
Peter
Point taken, although we language nerds tend to view the term "King's English" as a fixed expression originating with the Fowlers' famous grammar book (of same name) from 1906, and therefore not subject to modification based on the current monarch's gender .
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Old 07-09-2017, 04:05 PM
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Mine is a 2nd Model HE, left side of barrel marked SMITH & WESSON .455., rechambered for .45 Colt by reaming the cylinder and ejector star. The serial number is 66573. The gun also has added Micro front and adjustable rear sights, both well done. It has British proof marks plus the legend "NOTENGLISHMAKE" stamped on the barrel and frame.
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Old 07-09-2017, 06:19 PM
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Quote:
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To clarify the markings on my converted second model No. 73778, the original left side caliber rollmark reads SMITH & WESSON .455. (yes, a period follows the numerals). There is no rollmark on the right side. Above the original caliber marking is the much lighter rollmark CAL. 45 S.W. with no ampersand and no decimal points before or after the numerals. I still wonder if this means there was an intermediate conversion to the .45 Schofield (or S&W) round before the chambers were lengthened once more to take the .45 Colt rounds that the revolver chambers today.
Thank you.

That's interesting, and yes, it may have been converted to 45 Schofield initially, stamped as such, and later lengthened to 45 Colt. If so you may detect two rings in the chambers: when originally reamed past the 455 Mk II shoulder and later when reamed again past the 45 Schofield shoulder.

If not, perhaps the original converter reamed for 45 Colt. But knowing it would also chamber the Schofield, marked the barrel 45 SW to stay loyal to the S&W revolver maker.
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Old 07-10-2017, 04:26 AM
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Hondo,

I have a triple lock serial number 12493. It has a raft of British stamps as well as the broad arrows. Left side of barrel marked Smith & Wesson 455.
Top of barrel is the patent dates address etc. Right side of barrel was unmarked by S&W

I suspect it is from the second group of 455 TL as it has barrel roll stamped where the gun with serial number 12448 you have listed with the first batch has no roll marking on barrel. I also suspect there is a 455 TL from the first batch with matching serial number to mine. Just 45 numbers higher than the unroll marked 12448 one listed above
Man would I love to find that one too.

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Old 07-10-2017, 10:39 PM
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MKII - 62941 - Marked 455 LHS - Parkerized - Last Digit 5 struck thru & Now Marked 45 AR - Proper British Marks.
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Old 07-11-2017, 03:50 PM
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s/n 63279, not a triple lock with Smith and Wesson .455. on left side of barrel and Canadian markings.
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Old 07-12-2017, 04:21 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by red9 View Post
Jim,

I realize that #5788 does not fit in the known range. I did not letter it, thinking most of it's collector value was lost in the rechambering to .45 Colt. Like David's, it is stamped"45 S&W."

Bob
Hi Bob,

You may be interested in this TL #5724 very near yours, in this thread:

A Scarce 5 Inch Triple lock shipped to Canada in April of 1915

It's also from Canada, which is lettered as a 455 1st Model TL, and sold commercially, that shipped April 28,1915 to Hurd & Co., with a 5” barrel.

Because it shipped too early to be in the 3.B. category, I've placed it and yours in category 2. in my post #33 above.
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Last edited by Hondo44; 07-12-2017 at 04:23 AM.
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Old 07-12-2017, 06:11 AM
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I own 35711, roll marked .455 on L side of bbl, still in orig .455 and shipped to Rem-UMC in NY for agents of British Gov't on Jan 6, 1916 as per S&W letter.
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Old 07-12-2017, 06:16 AM
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double post.
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  #48  
Old 07-12-2017, 07:35 AM
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For your list I have 29515 with a:

^
*
44
E

II

at the top of the frame hump on the left side as well as what appears to be crossed flags on the left frame just under the barrel pin and also on the cylinder face between charge holes to the left of the stamped serial number. Left barrel is marked SMITH & WESSON .455.

Bottom of left stock panel is marked G S I which I assume are the initials of a former caretaker. No other markings that I can see.

According to Roy the gun was shipped in December of 1915 but no letter so destination unknown.
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Old 07-12-2017, 10:22 PM
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Serial number of this TL is 2147.
British proofs and Broad Arrow.
Not .45 long Colt.
In Alberta.
Serial number is not drilled though for the Lanayrd ring, it is beside it.
No caliber stamps on either side of the barrel.
I don’t know if it is:
1. 44 Hand Ejector-1st Model Triple Lock, 846 in the 44 Spl # series factory converted to 455.
or if it is
2. 455 Hand Ejector-1st Model Triple Lock #1 thru #5461.
Great survey.
thanks
Tom
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Old 07-12-2017, 10:45 PM
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Serial number of this TL is 2147.
British proofs and Broad Arrow.
Not .45 long Colt.
Located it in Canada.
Serial number is not drilled though for the Lanayrd ring, it is beside it.
No caliber stamps on either side of the barrel.
I don’t know if it is:
1. 44 Hand Ejector-1st Model Triple Lock, 846 in the 44 Spl # series factory converted to 455.
or if it is
2. 455 Hand Ejector-1st Model Triple Lock #1 thru #5461.
Great survey.
thanks
Tom
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