455 HE markings

H Richard

H Richard

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While visiting in Denver area this last week I stopped by the fairly new Cablea's in Lone Tree. I spotted something interesting in the case in the "Library" wearing a early N Frame service grip. After the rep. retrieves it and I start looking over it, I note the front sight is reworked, then I look at the cylinder and it has been sleeved as well as the barrel. Those were the only external differences, and if it has been refinished I sure can't tell it. After some negotiations my C&R allows me to take it home with me.

I think this is a Canadian, but I'm not well versed in the various proof marks. Can someone help me identify just what the markings represent?

In the 3rd photo there is a lightly stamped B-F in front of the S/N, and yes, all #'s match. The barrel is a teeny amount short of 6 1/2" and the muzzle looks to have been faced. Very quality looking work.











 
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I would think its a British one as the Canadian versions have the C with a broad arrow in it. But could be wrong also my 455 2nd Model has no markings at all which makes me think it never made it to War...

Rick
 
Yes, sleeved to 38 Special. Can't wait to get it to the range and see how it shoots. Evidently someone wanted a 38-44 Heavy Duty with a longer barrel at one time. If it wasn't for the one chip, the grips are near perfect. I guessing a 1915 ship date.
 
The arrow heads facing point to point are called a "deaccession mark" which the Brits applied to firearms released from military stores into the civilian market.

The crossed pennants are a proofmark. England used this mark and IIRC, Canada did as well.

The "stack" of marks:
Broad Arrow -- Acceptance into British Military Service
Crown -- Property of the Crown (The King of England being the titular head of the country)
F7 -- the mark of the individual inspector who deemed this revolver service-worthy
E -- It was inspected/accepted into service at the Royal Small Arms Factory located near Enfield
II -- This is the second model S&W approved for service (the first being the S&W "Triple Lock")
 
Thank you Jack Flash. That's just the explanation I was looking for, what each one meant.

Still wondering what the "B-F" stamped under the barrel flat might indicate. I know the "B" would indicate Blue finish, but haven't seen the "F" previously.
 
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H Richard said:
Thank you Jack Flash. That's just the explanation I was looking for, what each one meant.

Still wondering what the "B-F" stamped under the barrel flat might indicate. I know the "B" would indicate Blue finish, but haven't seen the "F" previously.
Click to expand...

The F is not usually seen but IIRC, Blue Finish. Looks like it did not leave the UK thru official channels or did not leave between 1925 and 1955 since the "Not English Make" stamp is absent.
 
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On a guess, I tried a .357 Mag round in the chamber, and yes, they do fit. Since I do not know the vintage or strength of the sleeve inserts material, I would not attempt to shoot any .357 in it. The heat treat of this vintage would not support that kind of pressure. It looks to be fired very little since the conversion (or before it for that matter).

There is no Lazy E that I can see, see the first picture, it is pretty evident it is the standard version of the period.
 
No Jim I did not see it on this gun. Yes, I mean't the face down E. I was impressed with Jack Flash's detailed explanation.
 
H Richard said:
On a guess, I tried a .357 Mag round in the chamber, and yes, they do fit. Since I do not know the vintage or strength of the sleeve inserts material, I would not attempt to shoot any .357 in it. The heat treat of this vintage would not support that kind of pressure. It looks to be fired very little since the conversion (or before it for that matter).

There is no Lazy E that I can see, see the first picture, it is pretty evident it is the standard version of the period.
Click to expand...

You got sumpthin' against a six shot double action hand grenade???
 
Not at hand. The examples in my possesion are on a Police Positive Special and a New Service, one for each war. I assume it has some significance?
 
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