British Contract 1915 WW 1 455 Frontier model

[Hank Jr]

I am not sure just where this question should be asked? Spanish copy ...The best I can find out is that the gun was made in the WWI era and is in 455 cal. Across top of barrel is Smith Pattern Made in Spain. on right side is the trade mark of Guisasola Hermanos of Eibar Spain. Checking my proof mark book shows a Crown over CP (London Eng) & a Crown over V (shows London Proof) this is in the barrel. The Crown over V also shows on frame near break latch and cylinder...frame, barrel,and cylinder show a 50 which I'm guessing is a serial number...leads me to believe this was a British WW1 contract..what I can't find in any book is on the back strap is C4E9...also on back strap an L over 34....can anyone elaborate further on this weapon ....thanks

 

[DWalt]

I know that I have read about Great Britain's purchases of Spanish revolvers during WWI, but I can't cite a source. Someone here will surely have more information.

 

[red9]

Hermanos/Orbea and Garate Anitua were two Spanish makers given orders (I believe 50,000 each) by England in 1915. The British designation was Pistol OP (old pattern) No. 1, Mark 1. These were basically the Spanish guns already in production (usually in .44-40), except in .455. I do not believe they were ever offered commercially in .455.

Bob

 

[Thuer]

From the book of Rolf H Muller.
Orbea Hermanos y Cia. Eibar Hijo de J.P. Juaristi & Co. , Eibar Garate Anitua y Cia., Eibar Trocaola Aranzabal y Cia., Eibar and others only marked with Smith Pattern where used by Britain in WW I.
Named
Pistol Old Pattern 5"barrel No.1 Mark I. 1915

 

[41RF]

In Hogg's book Pistols of the World, there is a picture of the sealed pattern of one of those. A very similar model was sold to the Italian military during WW I-I used to have one, I think an Orbea. It was in the 10.35mm Italian caliber. It was very well made, and shot fine with Fiocchi ammo. So I sold it. Grr.

 

[mesinge2]

I know this is an old old thread but I recently acquired a revolver stamped HIJO DE J P JUARISTI & CO EIBAR SMITH & WESSONS.

I think it is a .38 S&W not a .38 S&W Special. I was just curious if anyone knew any history about the gun.

 

[deadin]

I passed up on one of these Spaniard.455's a number of years ago. I now wish I hadn't as it was fully marked with the Broad Arrow property marks and "R.A.V.C."on the backstrap. (Royal Army Veterinary Corps). Possibly used for putting horses down.??