2nd model HE in 455 webley date ?

[J.D.]

Hi Guys,

I have just done a deal and have scored myself a 2nd model hand ejector in 455 webley. I am hoping to get it at Christmas or just after as I have to wait for a permit to arrive before I get it and can get some photos to show you all....

Anyway I am trying to date this revolver so hoping you can help me out. Now the serial number is 13477

I haven't got anymore information on it yet but the barrel has no calibre on it is that a common thing ?

Thanks for your help.
JD

 

[Hondo44]

Congrats JD.

The 2nd models all shipped 1915 thru 1917. Yours is an early # since the 2nd model began at ~ #5801 so no doubt shipped in early 1915.

You have a type 3.A. BSR:

3.A. “.455 Mark II HE - 2nd Model” (sans extractor barrel shroud and 3rd lock), but with cylinder frame window increased .020” top and bottom over versions 1. the ".44 HE 1st Model Triple Lock" factory converted to .455, and 2. the ".455 HE 1st Model Triple Lock" produced in .455, and the Ext Rod is reduced .020” in diameter (Neal & Jinks Pg. 215-16). This version was referred to as the MK II revolver by the British and stamped ‘II’, left side frame.

The 2nd Model continued in the .455 1st Model TL Brit serial range beginning ~#5801 (previously thought to be 5462) to #74755, shipped 1915-17.

By Feb 1916 724 were manufactured for the Canadians, chambered in 45 Colt, without a cartridge roll mark on barrel, presumed for the RCMP [H of S&W, pg. 203].

Another 15 in 45 Colt were sold commercially in 1916; likely “over run” guns from the above order.

The Canadian military also bought 14,500 .455 2nd Models [H of S&W, pg. 203].

And 1105 2nd Models were released for commercial sales in the US, shipped Dec 1917 to Shapleigh Hardware in St. Louis [S&W, N&J pg. 216].



Some were caliber marked and many weren't. See my 455 STUDY results pg 5, post # 223:

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-ha...26646-455-mk-ii-revolver-research-thread.html

 

[glowe]

The SWCA database shows that all entries 455s from 12,XXX to 14,XXX were shipped in August 1915. The Canadian order went through Remington UMC, who acted as a purchasing agent for England.

It also appears that the most Canadian guns in the database shipped in the 60,000 - 70,000 range in June 1916, but other scattered examples were "C" stamped from the 20,000 - 57,000 range.

 

[quinn]

Outstanding! I have a second model in 44 and the M1917 in 45acp. These are great guns, and you should enjoy yours. the 455 cartridges here a pretty expensive compared to other calibers...probably not so down under? Congrats!

 

[J.D.]

Thanks so much for the replies Guys, I really appreciate it.

Jim, thanks so much for all the information & the link to your 455 study...outstanding...thanks.

I am very lucky here in Australia as I have a lot of 450 & 455 webley cases (most of the 455 cases are the MKII cases) and the dies so ammo is not an issue. I did have a look at some commercially made 455 webley ammo & it was over $2 a shoot so load my own.

Thanks again & all the best.
Jason