Canadian Expeditionary Force Smith & Wesson 455 2nd Model 6.5″ Revolver C&R

SOLD FOR: $1692.77

LSB#: 210721TS76

Make: Smith & Wesson

Model: .455 Mark II Hand Ejector 2nd Model, Capt. E.G. Fosbery of the Canadian Expeditionary Force

Serial Number: 43402

Year of Manufacture: 1915-1917

Caliber: .455 Mark II

Action Type: 6-Shot, Double Action / Single Action, Swing-Out, Fluted Cylinder Revolver

Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “SMITH & WESSON .455”, the top is marked “SMITH & WESSON SPRINGFIELD, MASS. U.S.A. / PATENTED OCT. 8. 1901. DEC. 17. 1901. FEB. 6. 1906.”. The butt of the grip frame, barrel flat, rear of the cylinder, rear flat of the yoke, and ejector star are marked with the serial number with the barrel flat marking preceded by “B”. The sideplate has the S&W monogram logo. There are inspection marks on the sides of the grip frame, yoke, and yoke cut. The backstrap is hand-marked “CAPT. E.G. FOSBERY 77TH O/s BN. C.E.F.”. The butt of the grip has a small crown over “11”. The left side of the frame is marked with crudely hand inscribed markings next to the trigger, we cannot decipher them.

Barrel Length: 6.5”, Pinned

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a rounded half-moon blade with a rectangular base, integral to the barrel. The rear sight is a “U” notch on the frame’s top strap.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered walnut with smooth diamonds around the grip screws and brass S&W medallions. There are some scattered little compressions and draglines scattered over the smooth surfaces. The checkering is mostly strong with some scattered compressions. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Fine condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original but the barrel has been treated with cold blue.

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is one little spot of faint pinprick erosion.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 80% of its metal finish. The barrel has some mottled thinning and discoloration with some spots of erosion under the finish. There are some scattered scuffs, nicks, and scratches. Some of the marks through the finish have taken on discoloration. There is finish loss on the sides of the barrel at the muzzle. There is finish loss and thinning on the edges. There is a turn line through the finish on the cylinder. The screw heads show light use. The markings are clear. Overall, this handgun rates in about Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder produces light side-to-side play. We did not fire this handgun. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included is a leather flap holster. The loop is marked “HUGH CARSON Co. LTD. / OTTAWA 191”, the interior of the flap is marked “101”, and the exterior of the flap is marked with a broadhead inside “C”.

Our Assessment: This is Smith & Wesson’s .455 Hand Ejector 2nd Model. About 74,000 were made but only 14,500 were made for the Canadians. This one has a Captain’s inscription on the backstrap. It is marked with the name of Captain E.G. Fosbery who served in the 77th Overseas Battalion of the Canadian Expeditionary Force. The revolver has a 6 1/2-inch barrel with a blued finish, service sights, and checkered walnut stocks. This looks good for a service revolver of its age. It comes with a holster and will be a great addition to your WWI or Smith & Wesson collection. This one has good mechanics and with the build quality of these vintage revolvers should last a couple more lifetimes if properly cared for. Please see our photos and good luck!