Identity help, please!

[Stokes]

Hey Folks,
Ive gotten myself all confused on these HEs.
Since I'm dumb, I would have thought this would be a Victory, but there is no V.
What do I have?

 

[JP@AK]

It is a British Service Revolver from about 1940, maybe early 1941. The V prefix didn't start until April 1942. It also has a 6" barrel that wasn't common, but not unknown either.

Obviously, it was proofed and sold as surplus after the war, evidenced by the proof markings on the barrel.

The stocks are period correct, although the fitment is lousy. Check for a matching serial number on the inside of the right panel.

 

[Stokes]

Thank you for your reply!

The stocks seems like they are slightly warped, and there was a bunch of crud packed in there.
I can't tell what this serial number reads, but maybe they are right.

 

[Goony]

I'd previously posted mine that is very similar to yours -

Thread 'A British Service Revolver (Canadian Issue)'

Oct 29, 2024

I'm not certain as to the relative rarity of a 6" barrel on one of these. This example has retained most of its factory blued finish. The stocks exhibit some wear but are original. The chambering hasn't been altered.

Serial number 7450XX. My database shows British Service Revolvers in that range as having been shipped in March of 1941.

Marked with a broad arrow embedded within a "C". I take the slash overstamp as signifying its having been sold off as surplus. It bears typical British commercial proof marks that would've been applied to a firearm before it was released into the...

• Goony
• Replies: 19
• Forum: S&W Hand Ejectors: 1896 to 1961

• 

 

[DWalt]

Some of the earlier BSRs were shipped with 6" barrels. Just how many, I do not know. The British were not picky about such things at the time, so long as bullets could leave the muzzle. But most of the wartime BSRs had 5" barrels. From what I can make out, I would say the grip SN is a match. The proof stampings on the barrel was a British requirement when these resolvers were sold off in the 1950s-60s. Have you checked to see if .38 Special ammunition can be completely chambered?j

 

[Stokes]

38 Special ammo is too long for the chambers on this one. I'll guess that means it hasn't been messed with, even if it would make it more shootable. In this condition, more shootable is probably a good thing.