A friend has a Smith and Wesson .45 cal revolver and he is needing some info and value of the revolver. He has cancer and is wanting to know what he has. it has several stamps on the barrel and cylinder. I think it may be an import gun from somewhere. Any info and value would be appreciated.

Thanks
Danny
Smith 45.pdf

Can you provide exactly what stampings are on it, including the serial number on the butt?

I will have to get those from him. Will try to post a close -up of the barrel.

Several close-ups all over would be better, showing all stampings. There should be serial numbers on the bottom side of the barrel and also on the rear face of the cylinder. All should match those on the butt. Please measure the barrel length, from the muzzle to the front face of the cylinder.

Thanks DWalt: he is gone to the cancer doctor today so it will be tomorrow before I can get the info for you.

Thanks again
Danny

Looks like a 2nd Model Hand Ejector in 455. The info requested by DWalt will confirm. If it is a 455, most of these (170,000 if I remember correctly) went to Britain and Canada for WWI. Many stayed for WWII and went to various parts of the British Commonwealth and eventually returned to the US. Many were converted to 45 Colt or 45 ACP and if so the barrel may show a re-stamp of the original 455 caliber marking. If the gun is one of the 455s it will likely have British stamps on the left side of the hump of the grip as well as on the frame just behind the barrel. There may be other stamps in various places designating military units or in some cases they were marked "Not English Make" when released from military service. Detailed pictures will confirm.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

I opened it and enlarged as much as I can and there are what looks like .45AR stamped and 4 or 5 proof marks. It could be this was converted to 45 Auto Rim/ACP.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

Quote:

Originally Posted by H Richard I opened it and enlarged as much as I can and there are what looks like .45AR stamped and 4 or 5 proof marks. It could be this was converted to 45 Auto Rim/ACP.

Agreed, it says .45AR on the barrel, converted from .455 Webley by shaving the rear face of the cylinder. Also the gap between the cylinder and breech face is far too large for .455 but looks right for .45AR/ACP.

The gun also looks to have been nickeled (including the hammer and trigger, which S&W never did) so collector value is zero. It would have value only as a shooter, maybe $350-500.

I can see where the last 5 has been XX'd out and AR stamped next to the calibre. Also, from the polished down look of some of the studs, it appears the gun has been refinished. Can't quite tell if the hammer and trigger were blued or not. The cartridge mod and refinish will reduce the value quite a bit.

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Guy
SWHF #474 SWCA LM#2629

Dcaud44, if the rear face of the cylinder has been "shaved" as part of a conversion of a .455 to .45 ACP (or .45AR), you will not see a serial number stamped there, as it has been machined off. That's a dead giveaway to its being a conversion. And, as others have said, conversions of this type have a significant negative effect upon value. If refinished, even more of a negative effect. Collectors want them just as they left the factory, without any modifications. As a shooter, and not as a collectible, it might bring $400-$500 (more or less) on the retail market or in a private sale.

Thanks everyone for the info it may be a day or two before I can get detailed pics he is having treatments everyday. But I do believe it is a conversion. Thanks again for the info as always I am never disappointed with this site.

Danny

You guys were right on with your comments it is a conversion from a .455 to a 45 AR it is easy to see when you know what you are looking for. He wanted to thank all of you for taking the time to help him identify what he had.

Thanks from me also.
Danny