.455 British Svc Revolver Research Thread

[tosmokey4u]

958 Chambered for 455 .455 .750 6 Ton on right side of barrel
Frame Crown G right side Arrow Crown U4E left side

24104 Chambered in 455
Smith & Wesson roll stamped right side of barrel
Crown L 3 left side frame

35351 Shaved for 45ACP
Smith & Wesson 455 roll stamped left side of barrel
Arrow (Unknown) 44E left side of frame

58828 Shaved for 45 Colt
Smith & Wesson .455. roll stamped left side of frame
C with canceled arrows

 

[Shark Bait]

Sn 30587

I just picked this one up from Cabelas. It clearly didn't get the love and appreciation it deserved. There is plenty of bluing on it, but there are several areas of corrosion. Cylinder is ground down but not bored out for 45 Colt. It may work with 45 ACP with moon clips, but I'm not sure it will be worth it? It has some etched Canadian markings and there is a crown over 11 on the grip frame. It is marked with Smith and Wesson and .455.

 

[StrawHat]

I just picked this one up from Cabelas. It clearly didn't get the love and appreciation it deserved. There is plenty of bluing on it, but there are several areas of corrosion. Cylinder is ground down but not bored out for 45 Colt. It may work with 45 ACP with moon clips, but I'm not sure it will be worth it? …

Since the standard 45 ACP cartridge runs at pressures used by the British to proof these revolvers, it is not a good idea to use that cartridge in these revolvers. The cylinder is NOT heat treated.

Kevin

 

[steelslaver]

Most likely modified for 45 acp. While that one is not heat treated for acp pressure you can use mild 45AR loads or install a cylinder from a 1917. I just took a finish challenged one out of a 1917 I would sell cheap as I am installing a shorter cylinder with tighter throats as I make it into my version of a PPC gun

 

[Hondo44]

958 Chambered for 455 .455 .750 6 Ton on right side of barrel
Frame Crown G right side Arrow Crown U4E left side

24104 Chambered in 455
Smith & Wesson roll stamped right side of barrel
Crown L 3 left side frame

35351 Shaved for 45ACP
Smith & Wesson 455 roll stamped left side of barrel
Arrow (Unknown) 44E left side of frame

58828 Shaved for 45 Colt
Smith & Wesson .455. roll stamped left side of frame
C with canceled arrows

Are you sure 24104 is Smith & Wesson roll stamped right side of barrel?

 

[Shark Bait]

Most likely modified for 45 acp. While that one is not heat treated for acp pressure you can use mild 45AR loads or install a cylinder from a 1917. I just took a finish challenged one out of a 1917 I would sell cheap as I am installing a shorter cylinder with tighter throats as I make it into my version of a PPC gun

Thanks. I probably won't do much with this gun. The stocks on it will look right on one of my triple locks.

 

[Uraldriver]

I picked up one of these revolvers not long ago in its original chambering. It came with big English flap holster. It’s in very nice shape so I wonder if it actually saw any trench time.

It’s a very accurate revolver. I picked up an MP mold and some Starline brass.

The serial number is 30869

 

[Hondo44]

Nice one! Added to list in post #1.
Thank you.

 

[tosmokey4u]

Jim, I went back and looked. It is roll stamped "Smith & Wesson" on the left side.

Craig

 

[Hondo44]

Jim, I went back and looked. It is roll stamped "Smith & Wesson" on the left side.

Craig

Thanks for confirming!

 

[RS2000CUSTOM]

Currently for sale in a UK Auction

#14318

British Military Smith and Wesson .455 MkII Hand

 

[Mike.45]

I have S/N 1407, based in the UK. Someone cut it down to 3 1/2 inches and stripped the blue and added homemade grips ..... bit of an ugly duckling but its mine !

 

[Hondo44]

I like it. Note that the grip medallions appear to be the original factory gold plated over brass scavenged from the original factory grips. Those grips would now be worth about $300.

I’m not a fan of that front sight and would quickly replace it with the original type front sight and base cut from an original discarded barrel, and soldered in place. Made easier because there’s no bluing left to need touch up.

 

[RS2000CUSTOM]

I have S/N 1407, based in the UK. Someone cut it down to 3 1/2 inches and stripped the blue and added homemade grips ..... bit of an ugly ducking but its mine !

I own #1406

 

[Mike.45]

I own #1406

Ahh the power of the internet !! Consecutive numbered guns find themselves again after over 110 years apart !!

I see you are UK based as well, glad yours wasn't trashed in the handgun ban or chopped up as a paperweight. I also have a Mk II HE which hasn't been butchered and a few Webleys. I have 7.1 slots for a .30 cal luger and a .455 1911 but need to rob a bank to afford them ! Maybe one day !

 

[Hondo44]

Thx for sharing #1406 and its letter. The detail in the letter about the butt serial number is critical for identifying your gun as a Type I because it has a duplicate numbered Type II (see post #1 of this thread). Type II guns did not have the lanyard swivel drilled through the butt serial number with number restamped on the left side of the grip frame; and I’ve discovered that to be the only way to discern the difference between the two types. And also critical information to provide when requesting a letter to obtain the true shipping date!

Also the Type I serial numbers are in the.44 Spl serial number range. Type II numbers are in the British Svc Revolver range, hence the duplicate serial number possibilities.

 

[Hondo44]

I have S/N 1407, based in the UK. Someone cut it down to 3 1/2 inches and stripped the blue and added homemade grips ..... bit of an ugly duckling but its mine !

Was the butt serial number restamped on the left side of the grip frame with the lanyard swivel hole drilled through the butt number?

 

[Mike.45]

Was the butt serial number restamped on the left side of the grip frame with the lanyard swivel hole drilled through the butt number?

Jim, I dont know to be honest. I haven't yet removed the grips as they have been bonded onto the frame with epoxy and i need to smash them off and haven't yet been brave enough to do it !!

Luckily mine is on a certificate that means I can keep it at home (UK laws suck) so when I have a few hours with nothing to do I will go at it. I will keep the medallions naturally !!

 

[Hondo44]

Glued on? Wow!

Remove the grip screw, turn the gun upside down and gently hammer a chisel into the seam on the butt between the two sides of the grips. Then you could likely still use them.

 

[RS2000CUSTOM]

Thx for sharing #1406 and its letter. The detail in the letter about the butt serial number is critical for identifying your gun as a Type I because it has a duplicate numbered Type II (see post #1 of this thread). Type II guns did not have the lanyard swivel drilled through the butt serial number with number restamped on the left side of the grip frame; and I’ve discovered that to be the only way to discern the difference between the two types. And also critical information to provide when requesting a letter to obtain the true shipping date!

Also the Type I serial numbers are in the.44 Spl serial number range. Type II numbers are in the British Svc Revolver range, hence the duplicate serial number possibilities.

Here is pic of butt stamp