On Smith&wesson

model 25 · October 29, 2005, 10:28 AM

Hi

One of the locals here died and his son is having his guns auctioned off soon. I was allowed to preview a couple of the guns of interest and found what seems to be an unusual Smith.

At first I was sure it was a 1917 but on close inspection things didn't look quite right. It has a 6&1/2 inch barrel with Auto Rim stamped on the left side. Also has some brittish proofmarks. Four diget serial number in crane frame and six digets on butt. It is missing the lanyard ring but hole is still there.

Whole thing has been reblued, what do you think this is.

deadin · October 29, 2005, 10:56 AM

Need a little more information.
Is the ejector rod under the barrel enclosed in a shroud or is it in the open?
Are you gettin the serial number from the bottom of the butt?
Is there a matching number on the face of the cylinder?
The British proofs merely mean that it was sold commercially in Britian at some time.
Are there any other marks, such as little crossed flags or crowns with numbers and letters under them?
Are there any marks on the backstrap?

My first guess is that you have a converted .455 Hand Ejector. Now need to determine if it is a 1st or 2nd model. Also, what is the number ?

Dean

model 25 · October 29, 2005, 11:21 AM

Non shrouded ejector, serial number from bottom of grip, Crown and two other stamps on left side top of grip. Didn't have anything to write the number down but will get back to you on that.

deadin · October 29, 2005, 11:59 AM

With a 4 digit serial and non-shrouded ejector it sounds like a .455 HE, 2nd issue that has been converted to 45 ACP by milling off the face of the cylinder. Made early in the production run on the 2nd British contract in or about 1915. These make great shooters as long as you remember that it is 90 years old and don't stuff up the loads. Because the bbl is .455 instead of .452, 250-60 gr. 45 LC bullets work well. (.454)

Dean

model 25 · October 29, 2005, 01:01 PM

Thanks, I wonder what would be a good bid for this gun

25

**Mike Irwin** · October 29, 2005, 02:09 PM

I'm positive that Deadin nailed it.

Any collector value for the gun is ruined (and unmodified 1st or 2nd issue .455s can have some spendy value), so you'd be looking at a shooter's price.

model 25 · October 29, 2005, 05:52 PM

Thanks

25

October 29, 2005, 10:28 AM	#1
model 25 Senior Member Join Date: October 27, 2005 Location: out west Posts: 892	On Smith&wesson Hi One of the locals here died and his son is having his guns auctioned off soon. I was allowed to preview a couple of the guns of interest and found what seems to be an unusual Smith. At first I was sure it was a 1917 but on close inspection things didn't look quite right. It has a 6&1/2 inch barrel with Auto Rim stamped on the left side. Also has some brittish proofmarks. Four diget serial number in crane frame and six digets on butt. It is missing the lanyard ring but hole is still there. Whole thing has been reblued, what do you think this is.

October 29, 2005, 02:09 PM	#6
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 13, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 41,390	I'm positive that Deadin nailed it. Any collector value for the gun is ruined (and unmodified 1st or 2nd issue .455s can have some spendy value), so you'd be looking at a shooter's price. __________________ "The gift which I am sending you is called a dog, and is in fact the most precious and valuable possession of mankind" -Theodorus Gaza Baby Jesus cries when the fat redneck doesn't have military-grade firepower.

October 29, 2005, 10:56 AM	#2
deadin Junior member Join Date: September 6, 2005 Location: Ocean Shores, WA Posts: 1,052	Need a little more information. Is the ejector rod under the barrel enclosed in a shroud or is it in the open? Are you gettin the serial number from the bottom of the butt? Is there a matching number on the face of the cylinder? The British proofs merely mean that it was sold commercially in Britian at some time. Are there any other marks, such as little crossed flags or crowns with numbers and letters under them? Are there any marks on the backstrap? My first guess is that you have a converted .455 Hand Ejector. Now need to determine if it is a 1st or 2nd model. Also, what is the number ? Dean

October 29, 2005, 11:21 AM	#3
model 25 Senior Member Join Date: October 27, 2005 Location: out west Posts: 892	Non shrouded ejector, serial number from bottom of grip, Crown and two other stamps on left side top of grip. Didn't have anything to write the number down but will get back to you on that.

October 29, 2005, 11:59 AM	#4
deadin Junior member Join Date: September 6, 2005 Location: Ocean Shores, WA Posts: 1,052	With a 4 digit serial and non-shrouded ejector it sounds like a .455 HE, 2nd issue that has been converted to 45 ACP by milling off the face of the cylinder. Made early in the production run on the 2nd British contract in or about 1915. These make great shooters as long as you remember that it is 90 years old and don't stuff up the loads. Because the bbl is .455 instead of .452, 250-60 gr. 45 LC bullets work well. (.454) Dean

October 29, 2005, 01:01 PM	#5
model 25 Senior Member Join Date: October 27, 2005 Location: out west Posts: 892	Thanks, I wonder what would be a good bid for this gun 25

October 29, 2005, 05:52 PM	#7
model 25 Senior Member Join Date: October 27, 2005 Location: out west Posts: 892	Thanks 25