Found a early WWII 38/200 in 5" I have identified most of the markings except one behind the trigger guard on left side. Looks like Crossed Swords with H3B below and between the sword blades. Other markings are a crown with bnp on the barrel, frame, and cylinder, .38 ".767" and 3 1/2 tons. Anyone help with the markings?

1118AD Crusader

Found a early WWII 38/200 in 5" I have identified most of the markings except one behind the trigger guard on left side. Looks like Crossed Swords with H3B below and between the sword blades. Other markings are a crown with bnp on the barrel, frame, and cylinder, .38 ".767" and 3 1/2 tons. Anyone help with the markings?

1118AD Crusader

Crown over “BNP”
Birmingham commercial proof house since 1954 - definitive nitro proof

.38, .767”, 3-½ Tons
Caliber, case length and proof pressure

Crossed swords H3B
Birmingham date code
H= 1957 (Inspector 3)
http://www.hallowellco.com/proof_date_codes.htm


The British love to stamp the snot out of guns. Never loan them one! http://smith-wessonforum.com/groupee...n_rolleyes.gif http://smith-wessonforum.com/groupee...on_biggrin.gif

Hi S&WChad...Thanks a bunch for the info. This pistol is a WWII 38/200 dates to early 1940's, Serial #V25XXX, 5" .38 S&W, "United States Property" on top strap, bottom of frame has Ordnance bomb, "P", and initials GHD. The lanyard ring is intact. Help me understand the reference to 1954 and 1957. This pistol looks like an original lend/lease from early in WWII.

Stuart

After the war, the guns were surplus and the Brits sold a lot of them at auction. They had to be re-proofed to be sold there (I think). Many were imported back to the US and sold in magazine ads. The good old days!

This "Victory" Model 5" serial # 745416 dates to January 1945. It received the Cogswell Harrison conversion (re-chambered to .38 S&W Special) prior to being sold back to the "colonies". Note: some of the original parkerized finish remains as can be seen in the 2nd photo

http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/d...onversio-1.jpg
http://i223.photobucket.com/albums/d...onversio-4.jpg
http://smith-wessonforum.com/groupee.../icon_wink.gif