.455 British Svc Revolver Research Thread

[Buford57]

This .455 TL sold recently after being horribly described. I dropped out in the last few hours because the finish looked "off" somehow.

The SN has a scratch through it, but appears to be 2840.

Just a moment...

 

[22hipower]

This .455 TL sold recently after being horribly described. I dropped out in the last few hours because the finish looked "off" somehow.

The SN has a scratch through it, but appears to be 2840.

Just a moment...

"Horribly described" could even be an understatement. A "Victory" from WWII in 45ACP in 90+% condition. The SN on the back of the cylinder is blurred but is four digits and could be 2840. Main point there I suppose is that the SN stamp is still there so probably hasn't been modified for 45ACP.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[Hondo44]

True, not 45 ACP. But the chambers appear to be slightly recessed. That’s the easiest and best way to convert to 45 Colt; it only needs a recess of .015”. It also still allows the safe firing of the original .455 cartridges.
But we can’t see the shoulders in the chambers to be sure it’s been reamed to 45 Colt case length, but it’s likely.

The gun is a type 2 British Service Revolver: .455 1st Model Hand Ejector Triple Lock with an awful refinish.

 

[RS2000CUSTOM]

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

Sorry it has taken so long to get back to you but here in UK to gain access to my “live fire” revolver is not easy and is subject to strict controls

Have managed to remove grips and picture what I found - nothing except what looks like a letter B on the right hand side of the frame !

 

[Oscarflytyer]

New Addition (I believe)

Smith HE 2nd Mdl 455 Webley

Serial is 30020 - all matching (butt/cylinder/under bbl). Under bbl, before serial #, is "B-F". Right side, under right front of cylinder window is marked "NOT ENGLISH MADE"'

3 proofs right side bbl in front of frame: Crown over V; Crown over CP; and NP.

3 proofs (or issued unit markings?!?) left side at base of hammer: very wide flat arrow over maybe backwards 'C' or 32 (with the 3 very lightly struck), over 5C over E over Roman numeral II. Lots of crossed flag proofs.

No import marks. Cylinders have been rim rebate bored/bored to accept 45 Colt. Very well done.

The left side of the barrel is marked: "SMITH & WESSON .455."

 

[BC38]

New Addition (I believe)

Smith HE 2nd Mdl 455 Webley

Serial is 30020 - all matching (butt/cylinder/under bbl). Under bbl, before serial #, is "B-F". Right side, under right front of cylinder window is marked "NOT ENGLISH MADE"'

3 proofs right side bbl in front of frame: Crown over V; Crown over CP; and NP.

3 proofs (or issued unit markings?!?) left side at base of hammer: very wide flat arrow over maybe backwards 'C' or 32 (with the 3 very lightly struck), over 5C over E over Roman numeral II. Lots of crossed flag proofs.

No import marks. Cylinders have been rim rebate bored/bored to accept 45 Colt. Very well done.

The left side of the barrel is marked: "SMITH & WESSON .455."

What, no pictures?
You know how much we like pictures, right?
Especially of these old war-horses.
A picture (or two or three) is worth a thousand (or more) words...

 

[A10]

I just became part of the cool kids club, 2nd model #55288 lives with me now. I don't know much about the proofs or other markings. The cylinder doesn't have the serial number on the face of it but it is stamped under the ejector star. Someone defaced the second 5 in the caliber marking on the barrel. .45 colt round doesn't chamber (yay) and .45 acp drops into the chamber quite a way (also yay?)

Some pics

 

[Muley Gil]

I just became part of the cool kids club, 2nd model #55288 lives with me now. I don't know much about the proofs or other markings. The cylinder doesn't have the serial number on the face of it but it is stamped under the ejector star. Someone defaced the second 5 in the caliber marking on the barrel. .45 colt round doesn't chamber (yay) and .45 acp drops into the chamber quite a way (also yay?)

Some pics

It has probably been converted to use .45 ACP in clips & .45 Auto Rim.

Be advised that .455 revolvers were not heat treated like 1917s. .45 ACP is an overload in these, though many have been shot with ACP rounds. Factory .45 Auto Rim is loaded to lower pressures and should be safe in a converted revolver.

 

[A10]

Thanks, I was thinking that may be the case. The gun is tight as a bank vault so it doesn't appear to have been damaged. I'm going to shop around for some Auto Rim and Eley rounds and see what I can find. I really want to get the old girl some exercise!

 

[Hondo44]

With the enlarged headspace caused by the shaved rear cylinder face, you’re not going to be able to shoot any other cartridges with a thinner rim than the 45 auto rim.

 

[26betsam]

Late to the party but two to add to the data base

Greetings from South Florida,
The first, .455 1st model. Serial # 5200, shipped 21 January 1915 per S&W letter. Proofs include Crown V on the barrel, yoke, and relief cuts on the cylinder. Serial numbers on Butt and cylinder face. Still in .455.
Interesting note the back strap in engraved J. Fowler. I've got a request with the British Archives trying to find out if they have any records of J. Fowler. I understand British officers were required to buy their own side arms. The condition of this revolver is amazing with only holster wear. The bore and and cylinder are pristine, considering the corrosive nature of the ammunition of the day.
Finally, J. Fowler must have been a staff officer as it's a safe bet that this revolver's never been lugged around in a trench.

The second, .455 2nd model. Serial # 37433.
Marked on the left side of the barrel " Smith & Wesson .455" crossed banners on the yoke. Back, left side of the frame Broad Arrow, Crown J3, II
Face of cylinder serial # and cross banners. Still in .455.
Original bluing 80%.

 

[Hondo44]

#5200 is a Category 2. .455 1st model Triple lock numbered in the British contract serial # range 1 thru 5802, and has been added to my list in post #1 of this thread.

#37433 is a Category 3. 455 2nd model and has been added to my list in post #1 of this thread.