Markings on 455 HE Mark II?

22hipower · Apr 2, 2014

This is my first 455 and wanted to ask about some of the markings on it. Appears to have British proof (crossed flags on frame near barrel) as well as British acceptance marks on the "hump" of the left side of the frame above the stocks. Does anyone know what the letters on the back of the grip frame mean? Maybe a rack number or unit designation? I have not found any other stamps other than the usual S&W ones. SN matches on barrel, rear of cylinder and butt. Finish appears original as do stocks, bore looks great, 455 chambering has not been modified, has lanyard and SN is 29,954. Anyone see anything in the pictures I didn't mention but should have noted? Any information or comments are appreciated.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

gunfish · Apr 2, 2014

I notice that the civilian BNP pressure and caliber stamps are absent. A very good thing. I see only military stamps. The Enfield proof marks can be read if you know the code. Nice ride.

22hipower · Apr 3, 2014

Wanted to ask a follow up question about whether the British marked 455s or Canadian are most likely to show up in the US? As I understand it, S&W built some 70,000 455s with most going to Britain and about 15,000 to Canada. Some show up with both British and Canadian stamps. It would seem that we should see British marked guns more often than Canadian, but in the limited research I've done, most of the 455s discussed on the web have Canadian marks. Does anyone know how many British guns (and Canadian for that matter) returned to the US? Are both equally of interest and value? Thanks.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

H Richard · Apr 3, 2014

I had asked this same question some months ago when I acquired one (but converted to 38 Special). I do not recall who it was that furnished this information to me, and I couldn't locate my original post. Luckily I had printed out a copy and put it in my SCSW3 at page 167. It looks like the only difference between yours and mine is the individual inspector.

The crossed pennants are a proofmark used by England and Canada.
The Stack of marks:
Broad Arrow= acceptance into British Military Service.
Crown= Property of the Crown, (King of England being the Titular head of the country).
F7= Mark of the individual inspector who deemed this revolver service worthy.
E= It was inspected into service at ehe Rayal Small Arms factory near Enfield.
II= This is the second model S&W approved for service (the first being the Triple Lock).

22hipower · Apr 3, 2014

H Richard, thanks for your post, that explanation is very helpful. Having done a bit more research I think the gun went to England probably in 1916 and was accepted by their military. Perhaps used during WWI, perhaps not given the lack of additional British stamps. I'm guessing it then went to Australia for WWII based on the stamp on the butt which I think refers to Australia's 5th Military District. How it got back to the US is a mystery but apparently did not go through British channels as it does not have the "Not English Made" stamp which was applied to many of these sold by Britain when removed from military service. Anyone else have any info as to what the 5MD might mean other than Australia's 5th Military District?

nagant · Apr 3, 2014

Directorate of Military Intelligence Section 5 (MI5)

2152hq · Apr 3, 2014

At the start of WW2 Australia divided their country into Military Districts. 8 all together IIRC.
The 5th is pretty much allof Western Australia. A very common marking on Lee Enfield SMLE's from the period.

Google up Australia Military WW2 or Australian Military Districts WW2,,,,something like that and you should be able to easily find lots of info and probably other markings.
Nice revolver!

Markings on 455 HE Mark II?

22hipower

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