Smith & Wesson Forum

Go Back   Smith & Wesson Forum > Smith & Wesson Revolvers > S&W Hand Ejectors: 1896 to 1961
o

Notices

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


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 07-29-2020, 02:29 AM
Katieboots Katieboots is offline
Member
Production date and information on a .455 Mk. II Hand Ejector Production date and information on a .455 Mk. II Hand Ejector Production date and information on a .455 Mk. II Hand Ejector Production date and information on a .455 Mk. II Hand Ejector Production date and information on a .455 Mk. II Hand Ejector  
Join Date: Jun 2017
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Liked 22 Times in 4 Posts
Default Production date and information on a .455 Mk. II Hand Ejector

Hi,

Any help in regards to this revolver I just purchased (but haven't taken possession of yet) including date of manufacturer and whether Canadian or British would be greatly appreciated. This is my first foray into double action Smiths so a bit out of my league knowledge wise.

Thanks,
Katelynne
Attached Images
File Type: jpg 20200729_002726.jpg (45.7 KB, 73 views)
File Type: jpg 20200729_002605.jpg (47.7 KB, 59 views)
File Type: jpg 20200729_002102.jpg (65.5 KB, 57 views)
File Type: jpg 20200729_002119.jpg (48.9 KB, 48 views)
File Type: jpg 20200729_002145.jpg (59.5 KB, 193 views)
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 07-29-2020, 02:31 AM
Katieboots Katieboots is offline
Member
Production date and information on a .455 Mk. II Hand Ejector Production date and information on a .455 Mk. II Hand Ejector Production date and information on a .455 Mk. II Hand Ejector Production date and information on a .455 Mk. II Hand Ejector Production date and information on a .455 Mk. II Hand Ejector  
Join Date: Jun 2017
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Liked 22 Times in 4 Posts
Default

Additional pictures.......
Attached Images
File Type: jpg 20200729_002247.jpg (73.4 KB, 44 views)
File Type: jpg 20200729_002331.jpg (42.2 KB, 52 views)
File Type: jpg 20200729_002406.jpg (40.9 KB, 56 views)
File Type: jpg 20200729_002436.jpg (48.2 KB, 56 views)
File Type: jpg 20200729_002218.jpg (60.6 KB, 40 views)
Reply With Quote
The Following 6 Users Like Post:
  #3  
Old 07-29-2020, 05:40 AM
StrawHat's Avatar
StrawHat StrawHat is online now
SWCA Member
Production date and information on a .455 Mk. II Hand Ejector Production date and information on a .455 Mk. II Hand Ejector Production date and information on a .455 Mk. II Hand Ejector Production date and information on a .455 Mk. II Hand Ejector Production date and information on a .455 Mk. II Hand Ejector  
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Northeast Ohio
Posts: 5,989
Likes: 9,191
Liked 13,457 Times in 3,971 Posts
Default

Katieboots,

Welcome to the forum!

Noce looking revolver! I have little knowledge of the 455s except that many were converted to handle more common and familiar “American” cartridges. Several of the 455 aficionados will be along to dissect and explain the revolver you have presented.

From the photographs and the little I know, yours appears to have not been converted based on the serial numbers still being present on the cylinder.

Looking forward to more photographs and a range report!

Kevin
__________________
Unshared knowledge is wasted.

Last edited by StrawHat; 07-29-2020 at 05:42 AM.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 07-29-2020, 06:58 AM
CptCurl's Avatar
CptCurl CptCurl is offline
SWCA Member
Production date and information on a .455 Mk. II Hand Ejector Production date and information on a .455 Mk. II Hand Ejector Production date and information on a .455 Mk. II Hand Ejector Production date and information on a .455 Mk. II Hand Ejector Production date and information on a .455 Mk. II Hand Ejector  
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Fincastle, VA
Posts: 1,596
Likes: 2,879
Liked 6,282 Times in 910 Posts
Default

Katieboots,

Welcome to the forum!

Your .455 looks like a fine, unmolested example. I think it was in British service, as evidenced by the Broad Arrow:

Production date and information on a .455 Mk. II Hand Ejector-20200729_002145-jpg



Other than that, I have little knowledge of British or Canadian military acceptance stamps. Some members do, and I hope a more knowledgeable member will chime in to explain the various stamps on your revolver.

Curl
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #5  
Old 07-29-2020, 07:42 AM
Jack Flash's Avatar
Jack Flash Jack Flash is offline
Member
Production date and information on a .455 Mk. II Hand Ejector Production date and information on a .455 Mk. II Hand Ejector  
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Michigan
Posts: 9,289
Likes: 33,744
Liked 10,944 Times in 3,944 Posts
Default

That looks like a very original unmolested .455 Hand Ejector, Second Model. Production date for that serial number would be late 1915. It sure looks like it is still chambered for the .455 Webley cartridge, which is a big plus for its value. Many have been converted (sometimes very crudely) to fire .45 Colt or more often .45 ACP. That one is very desirable.

In the column of markings at the rear of the frame, the Broad Arrow is a British ownership mark. I can't read the other markings all that well, but they usually indicate acceptance into service at the Royal Small Arms Factory, Enfield. The II indicates that this is indeed the "Mark II" version (or Second Model as we say) of the S&W Hand Ejector. (The First Model was the Triple Lock).
__________________
They lack our altruism.

Last edited by Jack Flash; 07-29-2020 at 07:43 AM.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 07-29-2020, 08:38 AM
steelslaver's Avatar
steelslaver steelslaver is offline
US Veteran
Production date and information on a .455 Mk. II Hand Ejector Production date and information on a .455 Mk. II Hand Ejector Production date and information on a .455 Mk. II Hand Ejector Production date and information on a .455 Mk. II Hand Ejector Production date and information on a .455 Mk. II Hand Ejector  
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Central Montana
Posts: 13,620
Likes: 12,734
Liked 39,084 Times in 9,964 Posts
Default

Interesting that there is no out of service arrows on it. Marks the Brits use when they sell a gun out of military inventory.

This 4555 came to me with some white in the lettering to make it show up. You can see the arrows on the yoke
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #7  
Old 07-29-2020, 09:13 AM
glowe's Avatar
glowe glowe is offline
US Veteran

Production date and information on a .455 Mk. II Hand Ejector Production date and information on a .455 Mk. II Hand Ejector Production date and information on a .455 Mk. II Hand Ejector Production date and information on a .455 Mk. II Hand Ejector Production date and information on a .455 Mk. II Hand Ejector  
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Michigan Western UP
Posts: 12,912
Likes: 3,028
Liked 14,243 Times in 5,431 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by steelslaver View Post
Interesting that there is no out of service arrows on it. Marks the Brits use when they sell a gun out of military inventory . . .
I have three 455s that do not have the sold out of service stamp for whatever reason. It seems that a sizeable percentage of these do not have that stamp so not unusual. Maybe many were sold off in large shipments and none of them were stamped??

You have an honest wear nicely well cared for British service revolver. Fiocchi is still making ammo for this model and can usually be found online.
__________________
Gary
SWCA 2515
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #8  
Old 07-29-2020, 10:38 AM
tenntex32's Avatar
tenntex32 tenntex32 is offline
Member
Production date and information on a .455 Mk. II Hand Ejector Production date and information on a .455 Mk. II Hand Ejector Production date and information on a .455 Mk. II Hand Ejector Production date and information on a .455 Mk. II Hand Ejector Production date and information on a .455 Mk. II Hand Ejector  
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: North Central Texas
Posts: 1,283
Likes: 925
Liked 2,173 Times in 836 Posts
Default

Properly photographed UK examples such as Katelynne's help give us a better understanding of what stamps were actually applied for military use versus what marks may have been later applied when it was taken out of military service and sold on the civilian and/or export market.

A very nice example indeed.

I just have one question for the experts, and I feel I should probably know it by now, what does the "B-F" indicate on the barrel flat near the barrel's s/n? I know typically we would expect a "B" to mean blued but the "B-F" (in a more modern font) kinda has me scratching my head.

Are there any import markings elsewhere on the revolver? I just wonder if it could be something along those lines?

Last edited by tenntex32; 07-29-2020 at 10:45 AM.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #9  
Old 07-29-2020, 10:53 AM
tenntex32's Avatar
tenntex32 tenntex32 is offline
Member
Production date and information on a .455 Mk. II Hand Ejector Production date and information on a .455 Mk. II Hand Ejector Production date and information on a .455 Mk. II Hand Ejector Production date and information on a .455 Mk. II Hand Ejector Production date and information on a .455 Mk. II Hand Ejector  
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: North Central Texas
Posts: 1,283
Likes: 925
Liked 2,173 Times in 836 Posts
Default

I absolutely love the patina on that gold medallion.
Attached Images
File Type: jpg gold medallion petina.jpg (59.5 KB, 13 views)
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 07-29-2020, 10:56 AM
Muley Gil Muley Gil is offline
US Veteran
Production date and information on a .455 Mk. II Hand Ejector Production date and information on a .455 Mk. II Hand Ejector Production date and information on a .455 Mk. II Hand Ejector Production date and information on a .455 Mk. II Hand Ejector Production date and information on a .455 Mk. II Hand Ejector  
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: The SW Va Blue Ridge
Posts: 17,471
Likes: 88,955
Liked 24,774 Times in 8,480 Posts
Default

"Welcome to the forum!"



I was fixin' to welcome katieboots also and then I noticed she had joined in 2017!!! Katelynne just doesn't post much!!!!!
__________________
John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 07-29-2020, 11:03 AM
tenntex32's Avatar
tenntex32 tenntex32 is offline
Member
Production date and information on a .455 Mk. II Hand Ejector Production date and information on a .455 Mk. II Hand Ejector Production date and information on a .455 Mk. II Hand Ejector Production date and information on a .455 Mk. II Hand Ejector Production date and information on a .455 Mk. II Hand Ejector  
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: North Central Texas
Posts: 1,283
Likes: 925
Liked 2,173 Times in 836 Posts
Default

Some people only talk when they have something nice to say......

She definitely has a very nice opening statement with her 2nd Model revolver.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 07-29-2020, 11:16 AM
Absalom's Avatar
Absalom Absalom is offline
SWCA Member
Absent Comrade
Production date and information on a .455 Mk. II Hand Ejector Production date and information on a .455 Mk. II Hand Ejector Production date and information on a .455 Mk. II Hand Ejector Production date and information on a .455 Mk. II Hand Ejector Production date and information on a .455 Mk. II Hand Ejector  
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Oregon
Posts: 12,834
Likes: 10,103
Liked 27,995 Times in 8,452 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jack Flash View Post
...
In the column of markings at the rear of the frame, the Broad Arrow is a British ownership mark. I can't read the other markings all that well, but they usually indicate acceptance into service at the Royal Small Arms Factory, Enfield. The II indicates that this is indeed the "Mark II" version (or Second Model as we say) of the S&W Hand Ejector. (The First Model was the Triple Lock).
The broad arrow and the II were separate stamps, while the set in-between, the Enfield inspector’s stamp with crown/ID code/E, was one stamp. That one was obviously carelessly or hastily struck on this revolver. Just about teatime
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #13  
Old 07-29-2020, 04:06 PM
glowe's Avatar
glowe glowe is offline
US Veteran

Production date and information on a .455 Mk. II Hand Ejector Production date and information on a .455 Mk. II Hand Ejector Production date and information on a .455 Mk. II Hand Ejector Production date and information on a .455 Mk. II Hand Ejector Production date and information on a .455 Mk. II Hand Ejector  
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Michigan Western UP
Posts: 12,912
Likes: 3,028
Liked 14,243 Times in 5,431 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by tenntex32 View Post
. . . I just have one question for the experts, and I feel I should probably know it by now, what does the "B-F" indicate on the barrel flat near the barrel's s/n? I . . .
I saw that as well, but do not know why it was stamped that way?? I do not recall seeing that stamp before?? Who has the answer??
__________________
Gary
SWCA 2515
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 07-29-2020, 06:22 PM
Absalom's Avatar
Absalom Absalom is offline
SWCA Member
Absent Comrade
Production date and information on a .455 Mk. II Hand Ejector Production date and information on a .455 Mk. II Hand Ejector Production date and information on a .455 Mk. II Hand Ejector Production date and information on a .455 Mk. II Hand Ejector Production date and information on a .455 Mk. II Hand Ejector  
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Oregon
Posts: 12,834
Likes: 10,103
Liked 27,995 Times in 8,452 Posts
Default

I had not seen this before either.

Upon close inspection, the dash and F both appear deeper struck than the B.

Unfortunately, over the years our members who have presented .455 HE’s with photos have hardly ever included a picture of the underbarrel. I finally found one in the .455 HE picture thread, posted by H. Richard in 2016, and sure enough, there is the B - F. No discussion of the stamping in the thread, though.


Production date and information on a .455 Mk. II Hand Ejector-44eac9fc-b2dc-4b83-af52-9c56aec1966d-jpeg
Attached Images
File Type: jpeg 44EAC9FC-B2DC-4B83-AF52-9C56AEC1966D.jpeg (52.1 KB, 78 views)
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 07-29-2020, 09:42 PM
Katieboots Katieboots is offline
Member
Production date and information on a .455 Mk. II Hand Ejector Production date and information on a .455 Mk. II Hand Ejector Production date and information on a .455 Mk. II Hand Ejector Production date and information on a .455 Mk. II Hand Ejector Production date and information on a .455 Mk. II Hand Ejector  
Join Date: Jun 2017
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Liked 22 Times in 4 Posts
Default

I'd like to thank everyone who's commented and helped in this post......I suppose I should have mentioned that I'm not wholly unfamiliar with the English proof marking system but up until now that's only been on the various Webley handguns I've owned over the years (with the exception of a S&W Lemon Squeezer that was sold in Blighty around 1908) and so I was unsure in this regard. The only large frame trigger cocking Smith I've ever owned was a Double Action Model Frontier in .44-40.
These new fangled swing out cylinders are something to behold indeed! ��
Reply With Quote
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
  #16  
Old 07-29-2020, 10:32 PM
4WHLDRFTN 4WHLDRFTN is offline
Member
Production date and information on a .455 Mk. II Hand Ejector Production date and information on a .455 Mk. II Hand Ejector Production date and information on a .455 Mk. II Hand Ejector Production date and information on a .455 Mk. II Hand Ejector Production date and information on a .455 Mk. II Hand Ejector  
Join Date: Jul 2020
Posts: 334
Likes: 140
Liked 740 Times in 184 Posts
Default

nice orig piece
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Information on S&W 32 Long CTG Hand Ejector billysgunshop S&W Hand Ejectors: 1896 to 1961 5 08-13-2018 02:18 PM
Looking for more information on a model 30-1 hand ejector I just inherited. jrobyutk S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present 3 12-03-2016 03:57 PM
help for history information about my 38 S&W hand ejector fixed AlexVaper S&W Hand Ejectors: 1896 to 1961 13 07-23-2015 07:16 PM
Information on commercial .45 Hand Ejector Model 1917 duckhunter28432 S&W Hand Ejectors: 1896 to 1961 2 04-01-2013 09:13 AM
.22lr I frame Hand ejector ?? Information wanted arc2x4 S&W Hand Ejectors: 1896 to 1961 13 10-25-2011 01:28 PM

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
smith-wessonforum.com tested by Norton Internet Security smith-wessonforum.com tested by McAfee Internet Security

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 05:58 AM.


Smith-WessonForum.com is not affiliated with Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC)