S&W 1st Model Hand Ejector (Triplelock) with Brit Proofs

bigl1911 · #1 10-26-2020, 07:56 PM

I've been collecting for a few years now. Certainly do not consider myself any expert; however I've learned a thing or two starting with go to my mentors and experts when I have a real question. Yesterday I pickup three Smiths at auction: a model 1913 post earlier today, A Brit 455 RFC marked 2nd model HE posting soon and this Tlock. I'm very happy having this one as a new add. The gun is flat out gorgeous. Here is where the call went out the DC. The gun is lettered by Roy as a 44 special shipped to Cowdrey Exports. The 1st model has British proof marks with no indication on the barrel as 44 or 455. Dave explained some of these 1st models had the barrel replaced with nothing indicating a change to 455. If it had a 44 marking on the barrel it would be easy. However, with Roy's letter describing the gun as 44, DC's explanation some were returned to factory for a 455 barrel replacement stamped with frame matching number? Anyone have something to add? This is the best I have for a description.

mrcvs · #2 10-26-2020, 08:39 PM

Congratulations! You outbid me on this one. I, too, had questions about this revolver and created this thread about it soon after the auction ended: Enigmatic Triple Lock Revolver

lamarw · #3 10-26-2020, 09:34 PM

Congrats~ You scored a flat out beauty. It amazes me how one can be that old and that nice.

bigl1911 · #4 10-26-2020, 09:46 PM

Sorry. I ran it up - really wanted it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrcvs

Congratulations! You outbid me on this one. I, too, had questions about this revolver and created this thread about it soon after the auction ended: Enigmatic Triple Lock Revolver

bigl1911 · #5 10-26-2020, 09:47 PM

Thanks what is really amazing are the grips and condition.

Quote:

Originally Posted by lamarw

Congrats~ You scored a flat out beauty. It amazes me how one can be that old and that nice.

Hondo44 · #6 10-27-2020, 12:01 AM

Congrats on a supreme acquisition.

No doubt you don't have the gun in possession yet. In our original discussion, based on the letter we were under a misconception, apparently, that it was still .44 Cal. Do you know in fact that it's a 455?

The receiver, Cowdrey Exports, is a clue that it went overseas eventually. And highly likely it could have been sent back to S&W for the cartridge conversion with the UK as the intended customer.

Unfortunately, this is such an early gun/conversion, it may be too early for our usual evidence of what was done at the factory. But the 2nd thing I'd do (after confirming the cal.), would be to look for these clues:

REFINISH/REWORK DATES AND STAMPINGS:
Sometime after 1910 a return to the factory rework date could be 3 or 4 digits depending on the actual date (much later sometimes 5 or 6) placed on left side of grip frame on the 'toe' stamped vertically or horizontally, and will not match any other stamped #s on the gun. Ex: 3 48 for March 1948, 10 2 57 for Oct 2, 1957, etc.

STAR USAGE:
On the bottom of the butt, or forestrap following serial #, or left side of grip frame indicates a factory rework; began ~ 1912, declined and became sporadic in the early 1960s before the decline of date stamps per Roy.
Five stars; one each on left grip frame, barrel shroud, behind extractor star, yoke rear face, and inside sideplate or less are rare; so many stamped locations are not unheard of, but seldom seen!

bigl1911 · #7 10-27-2020, 11:32 AM

Good morning Jim - Comments below

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hondo44

Congrats on a supreme acquisition.

No doubt you don't have the gun in possession yet. In our original discussion, based on the letter we were under a misconception, apparently, that it was still .44 Cal. Do you know in fact that it's a 455?

Pick up gun after the auction on Saturday - I have a CR. A 44 fits on the loose side. Don't have a 455 laying around, maybe in my ammo storage area, but used a 45 acp which again fit will a little wiggle room. The correct answer - not sure best guess 455. when I have time later I will look for a 455 and give it another try.

The receiver, Cowdrey Exports, is a clue that it went overseas eventually. And highly likely it could have been sent back to S&W for the cartridge conversion with the UK as the intended customer.

My assumption this one was intend for a Canada export?? vious places for a star - nothing. Flutes are proofs frame and barrel proofed. Barrel serial matched.

Unfortunately, this is such an early gun/conversion, it may be too early for our usual evidence of what was done at the factory. But the 2nd thing I'd do (after confirming the cal.), would be to look for these clues:

REFINISH/REWORK DATES AND STAMPINGS:
Sometime after 1910 a return to the factory rework date could be 3 or 4 digits depending on the actual date (much later sometimes 5 or 6) placed on left side of grip frame on the 'toe' stamped vertically or horizontally, and will not match any other stamped #s on the gun. Ex: 3 48 for March 1948, 10 2 57 for Oct 2, 1957, etc.
Nope nothing

STAR USAGE:
On the bottom of the butt, or forestrap following serial #, or left side of grip frame indicates a factory rework; began ~ 1912, declined and became sporadic in the early 1960s before the decline of date stamps per Roy.
Five stars; one each on left grip frame, barrel shroud, behind extractor star, yoke rear face, and inside sideplate or less are rare; so many stamped locations are not unheard of, but seldom seen!

No stamps..