Model 1950 questions

[scoot]

I am new to the forum but I have picked up a few Smiths over the years and have become more interested in the history of them in addition to just enjoying shooting them. I recently picked up a model 1950 that has some interesting characteristics that I wanted to learn more about. Serial number is 11XXX The gun is marked 45 cal Model 1950 on the right side of the barrel and just Smith & Wesson on the left. It has what appears to be a British proof mark, BNP with a crown over and crossed flags under on the left side of the frame where the barrel screws in. BMP and the crown are marked on each cylinder chamber. Under where the top part of the grip would cover on the left side of the frame are some additional marks, ^ , V3, E and II. The cylinder accepts 45 ACP in moon clips, but the chambers themselves are not setup to head space on the case. They are approximately 0.9" deep with a taper at the front. The chamber throat is 0.457" and the chamber itself is 0.481. Definitely has not been reamed out for 45 Colt, but also not really the right setup for 45 ACP. There is no serial number on the back of the cylinder suggesting this may have been machined down at some point to support the moon clips. The frame does appear to be re-blued, but a very nice job. The lanyard ring definitely does not look original and the wood grips on it have a 3XXXXX number stamped on them. Any insight into the details on this gun especially what seems to be rather odd chambering would be greatly appreciated. I have never sent off for a S&W letter before, but wondering if this one might be worth it.

Thanks,
Scott

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[Gunhacker]

That ejector rod end is the older style that was on the Model 1917 and the .455 Mark II Hand Ejectors. With the British markings, I would have guessed the chambering was the .455 Mark II.

I'm wondering whether or not it's a Model 1917 or .455 Mark II with a Model 1950 replacement barrel slapped on it?

The 11XXX SN would make more sense that way as the Model 1950 .45 acp's had S prefix serial numbers, and the ejector rods ends were the new style with the smaller head.

 

[murphydog]

Hi, and welcome. You have a pre-war (long action) N frame, not a 1950. With the British proof marks and if the serial number on the bottom of the grip frame is 11xxx, it is definitely a .455 Mk II Second Model; the earlier Triple Lock would have had the shrouded ejector rod and the 1917 would have had the "U.S. Army...etc." on the grip frame.

You are correct that the lack of the serial number or other stampings on the rear cylinder face indicate it has been altered to use .45 ACP with clips. The barrel is a replacement and should have a serial number on the area just above the ejector rod. I have seen guns on which the factory changed the barrel and matched the serial number to the frame. On these guns you should see a three- or four-digit date code stamped on the left grip frame under the stocks - 0563 meaning May, 1963, etc.

You don't show the lanyard ring in the photos, but British replacements were usually round instead of the oval US style.

How does it shoot?

 

[Art Doc]

Yup. It's about 33 years older than you thought.

 

[scoot]

Thanks for the replies on this. The rebarrel theory makes sense. It does seem a little odd that the replacement barrel would be from a relatively limited production model (1950). The machine work to accommodate the older style ejector rod is very well done, but there is no serial number on the barrel or the side of the frame as one poster suggested. Guessing it is not a factory Smith and Wesson swap, but maybe some other armory sort of re-furb. As far as shooting goes, the barrel to cylinder gap is very small (~0.002) so the first batch of lead bullets resulted in fouling pretty quickly. Thinking if the headspace will allow, I may shim the cylinder back a couple thousanths.