Is it a Mark II Hand Ejector Second Model or a Commercial Model 1917?

[Capnball]

I've just joined this forum and look forward to participating with the knowledgeable members!

I've recently seen a very nice S&W revolver and can't determine whether it's a 455 Mk ll Hand Ejector Second Model or a commercial version Model 1917. I have no picture nor know what stampings may be on the gun.

Can any one tell me what model this is based on the following basic information?

Serial # is 68,475; Color is shiny blue with typical S&W checkered walnut grips with circular metal disc; 6 1/2 inch
barrel, Calibre .455. The gun is completely original and has never been altered or modified.

I would appreciate your opinion and also the shipping date if possible. Many thanks.

 

[Texas Star]

You answered most of your own question. With 6.5-inch bbl. and those gold medallion grips and being stamped .455, why would you think it's a .45 M-1917 with an inch shorter barrel?

 

[Capnball]

Sorry, the gun has a 6'' bbl, not 6.5. Were there any HE 2nd models or 1917s with a six inch bbl that you are aware of? Thanks for your reply.

 

[deadin]

If it is marked .455 and has a 6" barrel, something is not right.
Need pictures....

Where are you measuring the barrel from, the front of the frame or the front of the cylinder?

 

[Capnball]

I'm not sure how the barrel length was taken as I'm not in possession of the pistol at the moment. I would guess that the measurement of the barrel should be taken from the front of the cylinder. Is that correct? Thanks for your help.

 

[Texas Star]

Yes, measure from the cylinder to the muzzle. Part of the barrel is in the frame.

 

[Muley Gil]

Welcome to the Forum.

The standard barrel length on the .455 revolvers was 6 1/2".

It was probably built and shipped to one of the British Commonwealth countries in 1917, for the WW I effort.

 

[murphydog]

The standard 1917 Army has a 5.5" barrel. The serial number is in the .455 Mk II range; a commercial 1917 would be at least in the early-mid 170000 range. The stocks you describe (checkered service with gold medallions), if original to the gun, are also typical of a .455 Mk II from the 1910 decade; I have not seen a 1917 Commercial with them.

Here is a useful post for ID information:

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-antiques/326458-identify-your-gun.html

Hope this is helpful.

 

[H Richard]

Is it caliber marked? Many .455 Mk II's wern't marked. The 1917 is always marked, .45 DA.

 

[Wiregrassguy]

This is a .455 MkII Hand Ejector. Note the tall front sight, longer barrel, and gold medallion grips.

 

[Capnball]

Many thanks to everyone for taking the trouble to reply to my original post with such excellent & informative comments. I'm now convinced the pistol in question is a 455 Mk ll Hand Ejector Second Model despite the information I have that says it has a 6 inch barrel. Clearly a measuring mistake (unless there is such a thing as this model with a barrel 6'' long!).

Apparently 1105 Commercial copies of the 455 HE 2nd Model revolver were manufactured by S&W between 1915 and 1917.

Does anyone know what features distinguish these guns from the regular service issue as produced for Britain and its Commonwealth?

 

[deadin]

Does anyone know what features distinguish these guns from the regular service issue as produced for Britain and its Commonwealth?

Lack of British property marks. There are British proof marks that are different than property marks, so don't get the two mixed up.
The civilian guns will not have property marks and may have proof marks. (depends where they were sold.) The military will have property marks and may, but not always, have proofs.

 

[H Richard]

These are what deadin was referring to as property marks, which are on the military British guns.