Smith 455

[Witryantum]

I picked this up today and wanted to see if anyone can help me learn about the gun. It is a Smith 455. some 56xxx serial number. I could not find any what look like proof markings...but I am not really sure what I am looking for. It does have a 4 digit number on the right side under the S&W. The gun has been reblued.

Thanks

 

[murphydog]

This is an N frame, by the 666xx SN likely made in 1917, about 70000 in the production run during WW I. It has had a plug installed into the hole at the bottom of the grip frame for the lanyard ring. Most of these were made for the British and would have a small BNP with a crown, arrow(s), or .455/.760 stampings on the barrel or frame. The 2262 in the sideplate is not a proof mark, but I do not know its significance. It would have had walnut checkered service stocks with gold-colored medallions from the factory.

A few were sold as production overruns in the civilian market here, and most were altered to fire .45 Colt by reaming the chambers longer. If you try chambering one of these rounds and it seats fully it has been altered. Looks to have a decent reblue. Hope this is helpful.

 

[Jack Flash]

It's possible that it was a private purchase by a British officer and never officially went through formal acceptance procedures, proofing, etc.

Or as MurphyDog suggests, it never left the US. Usually anything the British Army got hold of was covered with crowns and other markings, when accepted into service and then again when decommissioned. It's not like there would be one subtle little mark that could be easily overlooked.

What was done to the front sight?

 

[Witryantum]

"If you try chambering one of these rounds and it seats fully it has been altered. Looks to have a decent reblue. Hope this is helpful. "

I guess they look to seat fine. Is there anything to watch out for when shooting 45lc out of this gun?

 

[peyton]

Take a picture or two of the front sight for us. The rear of it looks unusual to me. That revolver looks in great shape. How are the grips for it?

 

[PJGP]

Usually anything the British Army got hold of was covered with crowns and other markings, when accepted into service and then again when decommissioned. It's not like there would be one subtle little mark that could be easily overlooked.

This is not true of these S&Ws Jack. The only British military markings are a small pair of crossed pennants on the LHS of the frame around the rear of the barrel and a small inspection stamp and Mk II on the LHS at the top rear of the frame above the grip.

Murphydog is correct about the civilian proof marks if the revolver was legally sold out of service in the UK. However, from my own collection here in South Africa I can state that some were liberated and carry no post-service marks!

Peter

 

[BUFF]

"I guess they look to seat fine. Is there anything to watch out for when shooting 45lc out of this gun?"

These are old, made of different steel and heat treated differently than modern guns. Don't use Plus-P ammo or handloads that develop more than the traditional .45 Colt pressures.