RSAF Enfield No.2 MKI MK-I R.A.F. .38 S&W 5″ SA/DA Revolver, MFD 1937 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1076
LSB#: 210913RH02
Make: Royal Small Arms Factory Enfield (RSAF Enfield)
Model: No. 2 MKI Royal Air Force (R.A.F)
Serial Number: E4891
Year of Manufacture: 1937
Caliber: .38 S&W
Action Type: Single/Double Action Top Break Revolver with Left Side Thumb Release
Markings: The right of the frame in front of the grip is marked ENFIELD / No 2 MK 1 / 1937″ around a crown. The bottom-front of the barrel assembly, bottom-front of the frame and the outside of the cylinder are each marked “E4891”. The top of the barrel is marked “CAL. 38”, “’36”, broad arrow over crowned “GR”, crossed pennants and “P”. There are broad arrow and British proof marks on most other parts. The right of the frame, under the right grip, is marked “SBN385”. The cylinder is marked “E.S.C 29”. The right side of the frame is marked “R.A.F”. The bottom of the barrel is marked with a poorly struck import marking. The left side of the barrel assembly is marked with various specifications and “A B / 4” in a segmented circle.
Barrel Length: 5″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a Patridge style blade screw-secured to a slotted base integral to the top of the barrel. The rear sight is a square notch in the top of the barrel latch.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are two-piece serrated wood panels. The back strap is serrated. The grips have scattered nicks, scuffs, and scratches on the smooth borders. There is a notable gash in the serrations on the right panel. The serrations show other lighter interruptions and are generally well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in about Good-Plus condition.
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright with well defined rifling. There is infrequent faint erosion in the bore, nearer the muzzle.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 85% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at all edges. There are some scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches throughout. There is light surface oxidation on the barrel. The action shows operational wear including a turn-line on the cylinder. The screw heads are tool-marked with strong slots. The markings are legible aside from the import mark on the bottom of the barrel which is poorly struck. Overall, this revolver is in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The barrel lockup is solid and the cylinder lockup has very little play on each chamber when the trigger is depressed. The ejector tends to stick in the extended position unless the revolver is opened abruptly. The double action trigger pull is smooth. 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: None.
Our Assessment: The Enfield No. 2 revolver was in service with the British Empire from the 1930s through the 1960s. Following the Great War, it was decided that a smaller, lighter sidearm should be produced and issued. The result was the No. 2, chambered for the .38/200 cartridge (essentially a .38 S&W), a single and double action revolver produced by RSAF Enfield. There would be a few different variants as the action would be modified for double-action-only, and then simplified during WWII to make production faster and less expensive. This example is from 1937 and is in about Very Good condition. It is particularly special in that it bears the Royal Air Force marking on the right side of the frame. Please see our photos and good luck!