Howdy
Smith and Wesson Model 1917.
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S&W 455 Hand Ejector 2nd Model.
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Both revolvers are variations of the S&W 44 Hand Ejector, 2nd Model. The 44 Hand Ejector 1st Model or New Century, was also known as the Triple Lock. Produced from 1907 until 1915, the Triple Lock got its nickname from the 3rd latch in the frame used to secure the yoke in place. This was the first revolver to chamber the brand new 44 Special Cartridge.
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Here is a view of the spring plungers in the barrel shroud. The one at the bottom is the 'third latch'.
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The '3rd latch' engaged a hardened steel insert in the yoke, when the yoke was swung shut.
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A number of Triple Locks chambered for the British 455 Mark II cartridge were shipped to Britain in 1914-1915. However the British objected to the arrangement of the ejector rod being housed in a shroud under the barrel, fearing mud and other foreign materials in the field would jam the ejector mechanism.
In 1915 S&W ceased production of the Triple Lock, replacing it with the 44 Hand Ejector 2nd Model. This model lacked the distinctive 3rd latch, and there was no shroud under the barrel to jam with mud. The 3rd latch was expensive to produce, and S&W never made one again. The price of a standard Triple Lock was $21, eliminating the 3rd latch brought the cost of a standard 44 HE down to $19.
The Model 1917 was a variation of the 2nd Model, chambered for 45 ACP, as can be seen in the photo above. This one has the standard 5 1/2" barrel. Apparently the one Indy used had the barrel shortened to 4".
The 455 HE he used also had the barrel shortened to 4".
It is perhaps interesting to note that the 455 HE in the photo above is marked 44 Special on the barrel. This particular revolver shipped to Canada in 1916. At some point it was sent back to the factory and a 44 Special cylinder and barrel were fitted to it. This was common with the various 455 Hand Ejectors, many were sent back to the US and converted to fire 45 Colt or 44 Special.
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I hope the moderators will forgive me for delving into Smokeless powder revolvers on this page. My only valid excuse is when the 44 Special cartridge was introduced in 1908 it was originally loaded with Black Powder.