S&W .455 Inquiry?

[nthrut9]

I just got this in trade, serial #73497, .455 caliber, took a chance, not knowing anything about it. I'd like to know date of manufacture, model #, approximate value, etc. I'm more into pinned, recessed S&W's, Colts, etc. Any help would me much appreciated.
Thanks,
Bob

 

[handejector]

The number on the BUTT is the serial number. I can't read it, but I see FIVE digits.
Read this- Sticky: To IDENTIFY your Gun >
Are there any military acceptance marks?
It was made in late 1915 or 1916.

 

[nthrut9]

SW 455

Serial 73497. I'll edit post thusly. Where would military acceptance marks be????? Thanks.

 

[22hipower]

Most of these went to Great Britain for WWI and have acceptance stamps just above the top of the left grip, usually three or four one above the other. Many were converted to 45 Colt or 45acp, is yours still .455? These often have interesting histories and sometimes there are military unit stamps in various places. One of mine went to the 5th Military District in Australia and possibly many other places having served in at least two wars. There is a research thread here with lots of information about these guns:

http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-ha...rch-thread.html?highlight=455+research+thread

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[22hipower]

Serial 73497. I'll edit post thusly. Where would military acceptance marks be????? Thanks.

Are you sure that is the serial number? Seems too high to be a 2nd Model MKII.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Could be a commercial .455 2nd that shipped to Shapleigh Hardware in Dec. 1917. In that case, it won't have any acceptance or proofing marks.

 

[nthrut9]

Serial # is correct. I only see what looks like a pin above the left grip. Smith & Wesson 455 stamped on barrel.

 

[22hipower]

Serial # is correct. I only see what looks like a pin above the left grip. Smith & Wesson 455 stamped on barrel.

The S&W Catalog says the MKII 2nd model SN range ran to 74755 with 69,754 of them being made by the end of 1917. Guess it could be one of the last ones and a commercial model. Still in .455 caliber? Can you take some clearer/sharper better lighted pictures?

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[nthrut9]

These are the best I can do w/ my older Canon 3 megapixel camera. I've added 2 more pics to post. Any idea of its value?

 

[22hipower]

Value? Hard to say without better pictures although from what can be seen I don't see signs of a refinish. The military MKIIs which haven't been refinished or caliber modified, but which usually show a fair amount of wear (and should, they're 100 years old and have seen two wars and more) go for around $800-$1000, maybe more for one in really nice condition. I paid $550 for one back in 2014 and $866 for another two years ago. A commercial might be worth more, I've never seen one sold. Someone here will have more thoughts on value.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Here is my commercial .455 HE 2nd Model that shipped to Shapleigh Hardware in Dec. 1917 per the factory letter.

 

[Mbrgr1]

Here is my commercial .455 HE 2nd Model that shipped to Shapleigh Hardware in Dec. 1917 per the factory letter.

Guy, that's a beauty! 606 serial numbers earlier was shipped to the RCMP, then off to Australia in WWII, then? Now resting at my house.

 

[nthrut9]

All this information is greatly appreciated. Mine has no numbers or letters stamped on back strap, grip bottom, or on frame. Looks like original finish, no chips, cracks on grips. Must be a fully commercial model. Not really my cup of tea, considering trading or selling it, but like to know what a fair value would be.

 

[Mbrgr1]

All this information is greatly appreciated. Mine has no numbers or letters stamped on back strap, grip bottom, or on frame. Must be a fully commercial model. Not really my cup of tea, considering trading or selling it, but like to know what a fair value would be.

Is the serial number still on the cylinder face? From what I can see, the cylinder has not been cut down for 45acp, the presence of the serial number would confirm it is still a .455


On the other hand, in lesser collector condition, the .45 conversion may be a plus as a shooter.

 

[Baltimoreed11754]

Just looked at your photos, looks shaved to me. Thats a very big space between the rear of the cylinder and frame.

 

[nthrut9]

serial #/cylinder face

Yes, same serial # on face of the cylinder.

 

[nthrut9]

Very small gap between cylinder and pinned barrel; don't see how it could have been shaved. See you are in eastern NC. I live on a farm, 1/2 Va, 1/2 Nc, in VA, just above Roanoke Rapids, NC.

 

[Wiregrassguy]

nthrut9, please add more lighting or shoot outside. Take a picture of the rear cylinder face and one of the chambers lighted from the front of the cylinder. It will be worth more if it hasn't been modified for .45 Colt.

 

[Mbrgr1]

Very small gap between cylinder and pinned barrel; don't see how it could have been shaved. See you are in eastern NC. I live on a farm, 1/2 Va, 1/2 Nc, in VA, just above Roanoke Rapids, NC.

It sounds like an original .455, I shoot mine, good fun!


The cylinder would have been shaved on the other end to make room for the .45 rim, removing the serial number, you can usually tell by the distance from the cylinder stop cutouts and the frame.

 

[nthrut9]

Thanks for the verification.