S&W HE MK II .455 Canadian Military Marking Question

acco40

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I recently purchased the subject revolver and it has the crown marking with numbers on the butt that is seen on revolvers shipped to the Canadian Military. But it also has the marking shown in the photograph. I have been unable to find information on this particular marking and would greatly appreciate help in identifying this. Thanks and have a great day.


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I think that's what they call the "double-broad-arrow" and is a typical Canadian mark.
 
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Most of the Canadian revolvers have a C 30 stamp somewhere on the frame. The mark you show are opposing broad arrows. The Broad Arrow when stamped as an opposing pair denotes official disposal or 'sold out of service'.

This broad arrow description is correct. When the revolver is accepted into British & possessions (Canada) military service, a broad arrow is applied. When sold out of service (deassessioned), an additional broad arrow is applied point to point with the acceptance arrow.

The Canadian government mark is a vertical broad arrow enclosed inside a larger "C" indicating Canadian acceptance. There are usually additional British & possessions marks such as crowns, E's, II's, etc.

The "Crown 30" mark on all examples I have seen is the only mark and on the heel of the butt near the lanyard ring. These are almost always in exceptional condition. I believe these revolvers were shipped to the Canadian Government in Ottawa, racked/stored, and never issued. Just my opinion and worth what it costs.

If your revolver has Crown # on the butt AND broad arrows, I would be extremely interested in seeing all of the pictures you would be willing to provide. It will severely alter my thinking, what little I do.


Typical Canadian issue excepting only that this revolver has been altered to accept 45 long Colt as well as the original 455 Webley cartridge:

jebstuart-albums-h-e-455-2nd-picture16613-proof-marks-3-a.jpg

jebstuart-albums-h-e-455-2nd-picture16614-left.jpg




Typical Crown 30 mark at heel of butt, although most are not in quite this condition. This revolver appears unfired & letters to Ottawa:

jebstuart-albums-h-e-455-2nd-model-1915-a-picture15861-left-1-a.jpg

jebstuart-albums-h-e-455-2nd-model-1915-a-picture15860-rear.jpg
 
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acco40,

That's an exceptional example of the "455 Hand ejector-2nd Model".

It's the 3rd and most common version of the 4 versions of BSR made under contract for the British Commonwealth countries.
 
I have never seen that "Crown II" as in Mk. II mark? But the library is full of stuff I have never seen. Would love to see the letter. Wonder if that explains the "out of service" mark somehow?
 
I have never seen that "Crown II" as in Mk. II mark? But the library is full of stuff I have never seen. Would love to see the letter. Wonder if that explains the "out of service" mark somehow?



I sent away for the letter this morning. I am curious about the I X I seen in the bottom of the grip! Thanks for all the information and have a great day.


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I see that "rgm36" has the same crown/II marking on the butt of his revolver plus what looks like a "W" carved into the bottom of the stock.
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I see that "rgm36" has the same crown/II marking on the butt of his revolver plus what looks like a "W" carved into the bottom of the stock

Hadn't seen that one, thanks for pointing it out. Look forward to seeing your letter. I think all of the wood carvings were done by different owners later.
 
Letter Received About HE MK. II .455 Shipped To Canada

Well I got my letter back from Mr. Jinks today. According the the letter, the revolver was "shipped from our factory on December 4, 1915 and delivered to Canadian Government, Ottawa, Canada.". It also confirmed the configuration of the revolver as shown in the pictures.
 

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