Identify these Proofmarks

Modelof1891 · #1 09-13-2009, 08:31 AM

These markings are on this .455 S&W 2nd Model. Does anyone know their meaning? Thanks in advance for any help.

deadin · #2 09-13-2009, 08:41 AM

Terry,
Those are British acceptance and military proofs found on 1st and 2nd Model .455 MkIIs.
I see you have one that hasn't been "altered" to .45ACP. Nice find.

Added: I see you already knew what they are, and want to know what they mean.....(Too early in the morning to be answering questions

)

It is my understanding that the crossed flags were put on by the Brit inspector at Remington (Remington was the US Agent for the British commission buying guns in the US.) The other more complicated mark is the Acceptance Mark put on in England. I've been told that the little letters and numbers are the individual inspector and the large "E" stands for Enfield. Don't know what the "II" is. Maybe 2nd Model? The top mark is looks like the "broad arrow" which is the British Military property mark.
My 1st Model TL has the arrow whacked ionto the backstrap and is much larger. I have seen them in various places on the guns, so there doesn't seem to be any requirement ast to where it goes, just that it be there.

Modelof1891 · #3 09-13-2009, 03:22 PM

You were correct deadin. I found the model in the books but did not know what the markings were. Others that are for sale on the net had all types of other stamping all over and this one only in that one place on the frame. The cross flags, on the left of frame at the barrel and on the rear of the cylinder, looked to be a neater job than the others.
The books say it could have British or Canadian proofmarks or none on a very few commercial models. Are the grips correct? The number on the back of the right grip panel does not match. I needed to know cause an old friend of mine wants me the list some S&W's for him because nobody in his family is interested in firearms.
Looks a lot like my 1917 somewhat.

handejector · #4 09-13-2009, 03:51 PM

Can't see the grips.

They should be checkered Circassian with gold medallions.

It looks like the gun has been reamed to 45 Colt (Long Colt). Try one in it.

Modelof1891 · #5 09-13-2009, 04:03 PM

Lee,
I added the picture...sometimes it is easier to see them that way!
Sorry yall. I will check the 45 Long Colt and advise.

popgun · #6 09-13-2009, 04:12 PM

Let us know when you put it up. I for one would be interested.
popgun

Modelof1891 · #7 09-13-2009, 07:43 PM

I did try the 45 Colt and it drops in the cylinder. Does this affect the value a great deal?

deadin · #8 09-13-2009, 09:53 PM

Terry,
Your grips are post 1958. Not exactly correct.

opoefc · #9 09-13-2009, 10:32 PM

"Does this affect the value a great deal?" Depends. It made a shooter out of an original .455 gun, which is not good if you like originality in a gun. If you like to shoot it, then that might be considered good. The grips are not original. Original grips would have been service style checkered walnut with gold medallions, and numbered to the gun. Value of the gun, as is, is probably in the $650-$775 range. It could cost over $100 for the right grips.

Modelof1891 · #10 09-14-2009, 03:07 PM

Thanks Ed for the info. I was unsure on this one and will list it before the weeks out. Good to have this forum at hand.