I just bought at auction a Canadian proofed 2nd model 44 hand ejector, serial number 17464, represented as caliber 45 Colt. SCSW mentions a small number in 45 Colt, which is of course what I hope I have. The book does not give a serial number range. The barrel does not have any caliber markings, the rear of the cylinder is proofed at each chamber, and the chambers do not have a shoulder where I would expect to see one in a 455. Photos and more information will follow in a week when I get it, but in the meantime any ideas?

Bob

Well, since Canadian guns were routinely chambered in 455 and many were altered to use 45 Colt (thus losing the shoulders in the chambers) when brought into the U.S., whereas the number of original 45 Colt 2nd Models is very, very small I think the odds are it's a reworked 455. I would think that the barrel would be marked with the original caliber. If not, the smith who changed it may have buffed it off.

I hope you didn't pay a collector piece price for it hoping it's a rare 45 Colt example.

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I agree with Saxon, it's been converted to .45 Colt. What are the marks that you say are "Canadian" proofs? Canada doesn't proof firearms. Are they British proof marks? Ed.

Hello red9;

A .455 rechambered to .45 Colt without lathe shortening of the rear of the cylinder will have slightly recessed chambers to accommodate the Colt’s thicker rim. My guess is you can see the recesses in the photo that shows the proofs beside the chambers.

You did not write whether your newly aquired S & W was used by Canada’s police or military. RCMP used Colt New Service revolvers in .45 Colt that were stamped “RCMP” or similiar ownership initials on their backstraps. I have not seen any reports of RCMP buying any of the rare early S & W .45 Colts but it would be fantastic if that is what you bought!

Keep us up to date;
Gil

The rear of the cylinder has not been tampered with; proof marks are present on the rear face between each chamber. What I meant by "Canadian proofs" was the broad arrow in a C on the left side. Incidentally, I have a British triplelock that was converted to 45 S&W by shaving the breechface instead of turning the cylinder. Unfortunately, I'm probably still a week away from receiving it and being able to take a close look and photos.

Bob

Increasing headspace by removing metal from the breechface instead of the rear end of the cylinder is a method I had not heard of. The only way I can think of to do that is with a hand file.

I’m hoping to see pictures of an original .45 Colt soon!

Best regards;

Gil

Can you post photos of the revolver?

The broad arrow with a C is the ownership stamp for the Canadian military to denote military firearms. It's not a proof mark, just an ownership stamp, like some US military guns are stamped "U. S." or "U. S. Property" Ed.

Picked up my new toy and answered my questions. The auction house misrepresented the gun and I didn't catch it at inspection. It is in original .455, with no caliber marking on the barrel. It is still very nice and will keep my other HE's company.

Bob

Attached Images

	455 mkII 001.jpg (100.2 KB, 176 views)
	455 mkII 002.jpg (90.0 KB, 154 views)
	455 mkII 003.jpg (91.5 KB, 158 views)

Do the 6 proof stamps on the rear of the cylinder mean each chamber was individually proofed? Never heard of anyone doing it that way. Interesting if that is the case.

Dave

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Hi there guys,
I have a Hand Ejector 2nd Model in .45 Colt and I think it may be one of the original Canadian ones mentioned above and would appreciate an opinion on this. I cant see any caliber markings on the piece at all.

The serial number is 15xxx , Cylinder and Butt numbers are the same.


Canadian Pennant markings on the firearm, the number on the yoke and frame match.


Canadian markings on the rear?


What do you think???

I believe the s/n range that the 45 colts were made was in the 74000- 75000, around 1915 or so.

Shark,
Sorry to say, but the mark at the left rear (picture 3) is pure British (Enfield) and is the defining mark as to where the gun was originally issued. The crossed pennants are also a British inspection mark. (I have a .455 TL with the same markings.)
I see nothing on your gun to indicate anything to do with Canada.

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Dean
SWCA #680 SWHF #446

Whut Shark said. Brits did proof mark each cylinder. It may have a tiny "not English make" stamp somewhere too which was applied when the gun was moved out of UK inventory and to the private market.

It was those flags that threw me on the wrong track.
Thanks for the information, a really neat conversion it is then.

great info and photos

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Cheers, Charles
SWCA #2442

Canada does proof firearms.
It's a broad arrow inside a large C.