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05-14-2020, 02:04 PM
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Help identify NP location
Trying to learn more about my gun. My aunt gave it to me over 50 years ago, I’ve fired it a few times since. It’s in the same condition I received it, which is well used. I think it is 1905 forth change M&P, serial number 803310, hand ejector. Trying to identify the stamp above the NP markings.
Last edited by waynefish2002; 05-14-2020 at 02:07 PM.
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05-14-2020, 02:08 PM
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NP means "Nitro Proof." I can't see what is above it, but it is probably part of the postwar stamping, required by the UK before these revolvers were released for civilian resale. It almost looks like a flaming bomb, but I cannot imagine why it would be in that location.
From all appearances this seems to be a British Service Revolver from early in the war, before the V prefix came into use in April, 1942. Some guys here will be able to narrow the date down better than that.
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SWCA #2475, SWHF #318
Last edited by JP@AK; 05-14-2020 at 02:11 PM.
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05-14-2020, 02:12 PM
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And please excuse my poor manners . . .
Welcome to the Forum!
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Jack
SWCA #2475, SWHF #318
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05-14-2020, 02:13 PM
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When you added that third picture, you confirmed my diagnosis. An early BSR for certain. I suspect those stocks are original.
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05-14-2020, 02:17 PM
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It's a pre-Victory British Service Revolver (BSR). You can see the British proof markings. 803310 would date its original shipment from S&W at about August-September 1941. The grips appear to be original, don't lose them as they contribute to its value substantially. The British proof marked these revolvers before they were sold as surplus on the civilian market in the 1950s-1960s. In British military nomenclature it is a "Pistol, Revolver, Smith and Wesson, No. 2" You see them often referred to as ".38/200s" but that is unofficial. While the barrel caliber marking is .38 S&W, the British called their military cartridge the .380 Revolver, Mk I (or Mk II). Dimensionally they are the same.
Last edited by DWalt; 05-14-2020 at 02:38 PM.
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05-14-2020, 02:24 PM
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To answer your specific question:
The stamping above the NP on the barrel, which is actually part of the same stamp, is an arm holding a scimitar (curved sword). This is the Nitro Proof mark of the London proof house. Birmingham, the other house, used BNP.
That part of the stamping tends to be hard to interpret. In your case the arm looks really good, but the blade is hardly discernible. On my Enfield below, the blade contour comes out better, but the arm looks emaciated 
Last edited by Absalom; 05-14-2020 at 02:30 PM.
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05-14-2020, 02:30 PM
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You guys are really good and fast! Thanks
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