smith&wesson 455
- Thread starter dpatton54
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Your .455 has been converted to .45 Colt the correct way, by counterboring the the cylinder. Both cartridges can be chambered and maintain correct headspace at the same time.
A post WW II rear sight has been added as well.
I would guess it was shipped in 1916.
Your .455 has been converted to .45 Colt the correct way, by counterboring the the cylinder. Both cartridges can be chambered and maintain correct headspace at the same time.
A post WW II rear sight has been added as well.
I would guess it was shipped in 1916.
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Most of the 455s that originally went to Great Britain had stamps as shown in this picture. If you do a search on previous posts you'll find several related to 455 proof and other identification marks. Many of these guns originally went to GB and from there to various parts of the Commonwealth and many served in WWII as well as WWI. The one pictured here also has what I think are Australian 5th Military District marks. Lots of different stamps on these old guns; initial proof marks, unit marks/numbers, removal from service, and authorized for resale symbols. Found some WWII 455 Canadian ammo at a gun show not too long ago; $40 for two 12 round boxes. Nice old guns and yours appears to be in very good condition.
Jeff
SWCA #1457
Jeff
SWCA #1457
Attachments
Jack Flash
Member
It has the Canadian ownership mark of the Broad Arrow within a capital C. So at one point at least it saw service with Canada's armed forces. (Clearly seen in the second picture.)
It also has the crossed pennants proof marks. England used this and (I believe) Canada did as well. (Clearly seen in the first picture and elsewhere.)
I can't read the marks on the inside of the cylinder very well. If a "U" is present, that may well indicate the Union of South Africa. "D" is for Dominion of Canada. I just can't see them well enough. Aging eyes...
It also has the crossed pennants proof marks. England used this and (I believe) Canada did as well. (Clearly seen in the first picture and elsewhere.)
I can't read the marks on the inside of the cylinder very well. If a "U" is present, that may well indicate the Union of South Africa. "D" is for Dominion of Canada. I just can't see them well enough. Aging eyes...
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Welcome to this forum.
That's a nice old war horse! How does she shoot?
That's a nice old war horse! How does she shoot?
Texas Star
US Veteran
Who reblued it and installed the target sights?
Jack Flash
Member
The stocks, while not original to the revolver, are fairly rare and valuable by themselves. They are non-relieved Target Stocks.
Looking at the second photo in group one and the first photo in group two, you can clearly see why S&W changed the design to give some clearance for the empties when they were ejected. Your set bears a few scars.
Looking at the second photo in group one and the first photo in group two, you can clearly see why S&W changed the design to give some clearance for the empties when they were ejected. Your set bears a few scars.
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Driftwood Johnson
Member
Howdy
I have a 455 HE 2nd Model. SN is 460XX.
Here is a photo of the Canadian Broad Arrow on my revolver. It is the typical British Broad Arrow, centered in a 'C' for Canada.
Here is a British mark on the butt.
I had it lettered a few years ago. Roy said mine shipped from the factory on Feb 26, 1916, and and was delivered to the Canadian Government in Ottawa. No mention of it going to Britain first. Mine was later modified for 44 Special, the barrel and cylinder were replaced. Roy said he thinks S&W did the work.
I have a 455 HE 2nd Model. SN is 460XX.
Here is a photo of the Canadian Broad Arrow on my revolver. It is the typical British Broad Arrow, centered in a 'C' for Canada.
Here is a British mark on the butt.
I had it lettered a few years ago. Roy said mine shipped from the factory on Feb 26, 1916, and and was delivered to the Canadian Government in Ottawa. No mention of it going to Britain first. Mine was later modified for 44 Special, the barrel and cylinder were replaced. Roy said he thinks S&W did the work.
Jack Flash
Member
Serial Number 72230 in the Original Post.
In his book, (The History of Smith & Wesson) Roy Jinks says production of the .455 Hand Ejector Second Model "was concluded on September 14, 1916..."
Since 72230 is a very late serial number, it would not be too far off to say it was made late August or early September, 1916. Of course, the only way to know for sure is paying $50 for a factory letter.
In his book, (The History of Smith & Wesson) Roy Jinks says production of the .455 Hand Ejector Second Model "was concluded on September 14, 1916..."
Since 72230 is a very late serial number, it would not be too far off to say it was made late August or early September, 1916. Of course, the only way to know for sure is paying $50 for a factory letter.
Could you post a picture of the overall revolver and a close up of the front sight?
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Jack Flash
Member
MG:
This shows the overall revolver:
http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-hand-ejectors-1896-1961/399755-smith-wesson-455-chambered-45lc.html
This shows the overall revolver:
http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-hand-ejectors-1896-1961/399755-smith-wesson-455-chambered-45lc.html
