I have a Smith & Wesson Hand Ejector 1st model (Triple Lock) in .455 that I would like to identify and date. The serial number, 15055, falls outside of the published serial number range. It also has the make and caliber marking on the left side of the barrel which is contrary to the info I have been able to dig up. The logo on the right side of the frame is different and smaller that the other logos on my .44 and lower numbered .455. There are no British proof marks and it appears to have never been refinished. All of the other features are standard and original. I am attaching a couple of pictures and would be grateful if anyone can shed a little light on this. Thanks...
S&W Triple Lock .455 Identification
- Thread starter McKay3d
- Start date
- Status
I am going to speculate, and say it was made up and sold as a commercial product - perhaps against a special order. Given the circumstances I would pay Smith & Wesson a reasonable $30.00 search fee and get the gun lettered by Roy Jinks. The information you get could well increase the value of the revolver well over the cost of the letter.
jameslovesjammie
Member
- Joined
- Sep 17, 2007
- Messages
- 243
There is a gentleman at our gun club who is about 90 years old that has one in his safe. He was talking to my Uncle, who was working the club table to sign up new members. He knows the date of manufacture of all the Smith Webleys. If I see him at the gun show I'll ask him.
By 1917 these had pretty much stopped selling and S&W assembled a few dozen guns from left over parts in inventory and dumped them to large-quantity buyers. I believe yours is one these pistols. A good bet would be that it was shipped to Shapliegh Hardware in St. Louis, MO. This place was a big S&W dealer at that time and they bought clearance loads like this.
BTW- I think Roy now charges $35 for the letter.
BTW- I think Roy now charges $35 for the letter.
I have also heard that the letter fee was increased from $30.00 to $35.00, but Smith & Wesson's website still list the lower figure. Until that changes I'll still say $30.00.
Also, while few people seem to know it, half of the fee ($15.00) is contributed to the U.S. International Shooting Team.
Another well known company in Hartford, CT charges a lot more for a historical letter, and none of the fee leaves the company.
http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...catalogId=11101&content=25301§ionId=10504
Also, while few people seem to know it, half of the fee ($15.00) is contributed to the U.S. International Shooting Team.
Another well known company in Hartford, CT charges a lot more for a historical letter, and none of the fee leaves the company.
http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/...catalogId=11101&content=25301§ionId=10504
strangelittleman
Member
I ran across a S&W Triple lock in .455 about 10 or 12yrs ago, it was a former RCMP gun......I regret letting slip through my fingers.....Perhaps your's is an old RCMP sidearm. I'm sorry I don't remember the markings otherwise I'd tell you of them.....I honestly don't know anything about the commercial production of Triplelocks in this round.....Great gun, great cartridge!!
- Status
