1915 British Contract .455 Smith Wesson H-E Pistol

[vainn80]

Here for your persusal is my 1915 British Contract .455 Smith & Wesson H-E pistol serial number 17464. According to the Smith & Wesson letter this revolver was shipped from their factory on September 23, 1915 and delivered to Remington Arms - Union Metallic Cartridge Company, New York City, agents for the British Government. According to the various acceptance and proof markings it also saw service in the Canadian Army and Navy. The cylinder rear shows that each chamber has individual Canadian proofs and the frame shows the C/broad arrow Canadian property mark. The backstrap also shows apparent unit marking 1 H R 2.

 

[vainn80]

A few more details to show Canadian markings.

 

[Dain Bramage]

Thanks for sharing pictures of this unique revolver. The old girl seems in pretty good shape. I've seen worse condition on revolvers that did not have to survive corrosive ammo and a stint in the navy.

 

[Barry the Bear]

That gun is like betty white, she may be old but damn she has class.

 

[Radagast]

If I owned that, I would be vainn too. Sorry. Bad pun. But a lovely weapon. Less than 16 months and you'll have to have a 100th birthday party for it. A New Century making its first century.

 

[vainn80]

Thanks for your comments. It did hold up rather well considering it's almost 100 years old and saw service in both World Wars on land and sea.

 

[Iggy]

Bet that old warrior has some stories to tell.

I have one with a similar history. Ser # 115XX

Mine has been chopped, barrel and cylinder & changed, and I carry it daily.

 

[vainn80]

Bet that old warrior has some stories to tell.

I have one with a similar history. Ser # 115XX

Mine has been chopped, barrel and cylinder & changed, and I carry it daily.

Iggy; nice, thanks for sharing. I bet they both could tells some interesting stories!

 

[smkummer]

Have you shot it?

I had a Colt New Service in .455 (with all kinds of British stamps)but it was converted to 45 Colt and it would also still fire .455. I would have still had it had it NOT been converted although the conversion worked OK. 455 ammo, cases and reloading components are now available so no need to convert and enjoy a mild shooting big bore revolver.

 

[tekarra]

Very nice, thanks for posting.