.44 HE 2nd Model

[giddyupsut]

I recently purchased a .44 HE from an elderly neighbor. It is chambered in .45 LC. It matches another .44 HE S&W Spl that a friend owns, all except the caliber.
Before I bought it we took it out back and shot it. The 83 year old neighbor shot the first 45LC round and I shot the other five. It shot fine, but that big old N-frame (with the 6.5" bbl) is like holding a cannon.
I have a few questions and I know that I am in the right place to ask them.
1. Is the serial number 387XX in the correct range? The frame # and the bbl # are the same.
2. Should the cylinder # be the same as the others. (it is not the same...but close...368XX).
3. Should the bbl say the chambering? The left hand side of the frame is marked .45 L COLT.
4. It looks like Brit proof marks on the bbl and the cylinder. They seem to be stamped after bluing. The bbl top also holds the standard "Smith and Wesson patent blah, blah, blah Feb 06".
5. Did I take a bath at 300 bucks? The frame blue is 90+% and the cylinder is 75% with some scratches.
Before anyone asks for pics, I'll confess now that I don't own a good enough camera to take good pics.
Thanks in advance

 

[Roadranger]

I suspect you have a WW1 vintage or slightly there after British or Canadian service revolver originally issued in .455 caliber. When it was sold as surplus, some one rechambered it to 45 Colt, hence the marking on the frame. It should have a caliber marking on the barrel or di at one time. The rechambering was a common practice to be able to sell the guns more readily in the US. It sounds like a fine old piece. It probably has or did have a lanyard ring on the butt of the revolver. SCSW#3 shows 1932 as year of production for that serial number in the 2nd model hand ejector. SCSW also notes that some 700+ revolvers were manufactured in 45 Colt but serial number ranges are not provided. As you suggested, photos would help! The serial numbers for 455 hand ejectors puts it in the 1916 range. 455's were numbered separately from 44 2nd models. Bob!

 

[giddyupsut]

Thanks Roadranger.
Did I do alright with 300 bucks? Too Much?

 

[cgt4570]

$300 for ANY shootable pre-WW1 N frame is a good price. If it looks as good as you describe, it's worth more. Yes, the value is hurt a little by the cartridge conversion from .455, but you would still be able to make a few bucks if you sold it.

 

[giddyupsut]

OK, here are some pics

Sorry on the quality of the pics

 

[Andy Griffith]

I believe that the marks on the back of the cylinder are Canadian, but I could be wrong. The cylinder looks as though it started it's life as a .455, and the cylinder was modified for use with the slightly thicker rims of the .45 Colt.

Still a great gun, and where did it shoot with the heavier .45 Colt ammuntion?

 

[giddyupsut]

reply to Andy Griffith

We were shooting at a fence post. It seemed a slight bit low but, this was my first time shooting this firearm.

 

[Texas Star]

I agree: Brit. or Canadian proof mark on cylinder. Almost surely a .455 to begin with. And a hole for a lanyard ring!

 

[giddyupsut]

Thanks for all of the input!

 

[Muley Gil]

Thanks Roadranger.
Did I do alright with 300 bucks? Too Much?

No, too little. Congrats.

The grips are post 1968 Magnas.