Please help identify

[Jim Watson]

If I had it, I would shoot .45 Auto Rim which would superficially resemble .455 and not sully the old gun with clips.

I think that sight is the Wonder of the Age and wish it could still be had.
I have trouble lining up the hog wallow and would not want to break up the outline with an adjustable.

 

[Modified]

I inherited it and currently am deciding whether to sell it or keep it. It is not a value thing. It does not fit into my collection. Thank you everyone for the wonderful responses because I just could not figure out what it was.

It's pretty special, even with the modification. Many of us would be very pleased to own it.

You should shoot it and live with it a bit before deciding. Guns like this have a way of growing on you. Make it your thinkin gun for a while.

 

[T44spl]

I stand corrected on the s/n issue. As I've stated in a different post you always learn something new, as collectors it's a continuing process. Thanks for pointing that out.

 

[Giorgio Italy]

It's true ..
There's always something new to learn
G

 

[Hondo44]

S&W ucla,

From what I can see I suspect it's likely chambered for .455...Especially given the Triple-Locks Lee noted that were in that same group shipped to Shapleigh Factory-Converted to .45 Colt had a slight recess in the Cyl. Face...His does not!!

As an aside...The next Revolver in line (Ser. No. 9860) noted in that group...Also had a Factory Drift-Adj. Rear Sight, but no Lanyard Ring...Thought some may have interest in knowing that!!

Yes and 9860 is posted here: https://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-h...2-can-you-help-me-identify.html#post141758671

It's the only other from the list of 23 I have seen. I find it interesting that they both have the factory "Military style" (Bisley Match) rear sight. And both also have the standard 1/2 round front blade sight indicative of all of these factory original rear sight installations I've seen that letter as original, both on 44 Spl and 455 triple locks. The only difference is that the 44 spl sight is a different height due to the difference in trajectory.

I'm tempted to speculate that Shapleigh Hardware purchased the 23 guns ordered with the rear sight installation to appeal to Bisley match shooters since there was little enough market for 455 chambered guns in the US. And I bet they got a heck of a deal from S&W to get them out of inventory. The 44 spl triple locks were already slow sellers as it was.

 

[Hondo44]

As posted above the 455 British svc revolvers were chambered for the older and longer 455 Mk I although the intended cartridge for use by the British is the shorter 455 MkII.

And although 9859 has had it's cyl modified for 45 ACP and 45 Auto Rim, it will still safely fire the 455 MkI cartridge because it's case mouth will headspace properly on the shoulder in the chamber. Thereby the gun retains a degree of originality. Not that 455 MkI is available but 45 Colt or Schofield cases can be shortened and loaded for use.

Thanks for posting a very nice and very rare S&W!

 

[rct269]

"------------already slow sellers as it was."

That right there is an understatement worthy of repeating! The Triple Locks were/are an exquisite example of the gun makers' art on the one hand, and a total rolling disaster from the commercial point of view on the other hand. It's old news by now, but S&W blamed it on the price ($21). They dumped the ejector rod shroud and the third lock, and behold-----the .44 H.E. #2 for $19, and it went on well into the later 1930's--side by side with with the .44 H.E. #3 for over 20 years-----that's the new and improved version WITH the ejector rod shroud.

"You pays your money, and you takes your pick!"

Ralph Tremaine

 

[JSR III]

I inherited it

Welcome to the forum....

That alone makes it priceless if it came down through your family. Possibly less so if inherited from a friend or other such source. Many of us feel that there may be thousands of any given model produced but only one came down through your family. I have several family guns and would not sell them for Elon Musk money.

I have not seen one frame marked like that where usually dates are stamped for guns that went back to the factory for repairs or upgrades. So yes, you can learn something everyday.

Neat gun that may have lost some value due to the modifications but still a piece of history.

 

[hkcavalier]

I purchased this gun and am awaiting delivery. Looks like the OP got what he needed from the knowledgeable Forum members and decided to auction it off.

Guess I am adding .45AR to my cartridge spread, though I doubt I will shoot it much. Those gorgeous stocks might get bagged up as well.

Oddball Triple Lock "half target" on its way

 

[SGT ROCK 11B]

I inherited it ...

@hkcavalier

What did you get it for?

 

[hkcavalier]

@hkcavalier

What did you get it for?

After shipping and transfer, it should be just under $800. Not a bad deal...

 

[SGT ROCK 11B]

After shipping and transfer, it should be just under $800. Not a bad deal...

I always wanted a .455 since I like to reload.

Thank you for sharing.