Smith & Wesson .455 Mk II Hand Ejector 1st Model .455 Webley 6 ½” Revolver
SOLD FOR: $1,326.01
LSB#: LSB260311CC013
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: .455 Mark II Hand Ejector 1st Model Triple Lock Military Model of 1908, 5-Screw, Square Butt N-Frame Commercial Model
Serial Number: 5537
Year of Manufacture: 1914-15 (reference Standard catalog) / C&R
Caliber: .455 Webley Mk II
Action Type: 6 -Shot, Double Action / Single Action, Swing-Out, Fluted Cylinder Revolver
Markings: The right side of the frame is marked with the S&W trademark monogram. The barrel has patent dates across the top: “SMITH AND WESSON SPRINGFIELD MASS. U.S.A. PAT’D MAR.27.94 MAY.21.95.AUG.4.96. DEC.22.96 OCT.8. 01.DEC. 3. 01. FEB.6.06”. The barrel has British proof marks down the left side, to include “NOT ENGLISH MAKE”. The crane arm and cut are marked, “4854”. The serial number, “5537” is on the butt of the grip frame and the face of the cylinder. The cylinder has a British proof mark beside each flute/
Barrel Length: 6 1/2”, Pinned.
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a rounded half-moon 1/10 inch 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 stocks are a two piece checkered walnut Hand Ejector Stocks with smooth diamonds around the grip screw escutcheons. There are scratches, compression marks, and small areas of finish loss. There are no cracks or chips. The checkering has smoothed out some. Overall, the grips are in Very Good to Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blued, with case colored hammer and trigger.
Finish Originality: Original.
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is evident. There is a little erosion in the bore, near the chamber. There is some stubborn fouling in the grooves. 9/10 on the bore rating.
Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 95% of its current metal finish. There are small scratches, nicks, and rub marks throughout — particularly on the barrel. There is some corrosion pitting on the grip frame and forward part of the frame. The cylinder has a prominent turn line. The screw heads are sharp. The markings are mostly clear. Overall, this handgun rates a Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The cylinder produces only light side to side movement; timing seems good; and there is little endshake.. The double action trigger pull is smooth, the single action is crisp. 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 .455 Mark II Hand Ejector 1st Model, also known as the “Triple Lock,” is a revolver revered for its exceptional craftsmanship, robust construction, and historical significance. Introduced in 1908, it is often considered one of the finest – and perhaps most overbuilt – revolvers ever made by Smith & Wesson. The “Triple Lock” refers to its unique locking mechanism, which provided unparalleled strength and reliability, setting it apart from other revolvers of its era. This style of revolver was chambered in a multitude of .44 and .45 calibers — this one in .455 Webley Mk II. The majority were chambered in the more familiar .44 S&W.
The defining feature of the Triple Lock revolvers is its advanced locking system. In addition to the conventional cylinder latch and center pin lock, it incorporates a third locking point at the front of the cylinder crane. This third lock enhances the revolver’s durability and ensures precise alignment of the cylinder with the barrel, contributing to its renowned accuracy and smooth operation. The revolver’s double-action mechanism and hand-ejector system for spent cartridges further exemplify Smith & Wesson’s attention to detail and innovation. The revolver was constructed on the large “N” frame, making it sturdy enough to handle powerful cartridges. Its 6 1/2-inch barrel provided excellent accuracy at both short and long ranges.
This firearm appears to be a commercial model and is chambered for .455 Webley — which collectors will recognize commands a premium. The cylinder measures 1.58″ as an original .455 Webley MarkII cylinder should. It lacks an import mark, so it must have come home to America prior to 1968.
The Triple Lock gained significant popularity among shooters for its precision and durability. However, its complex design and high manufacturing costs made it expensive to produce. After a relatively short production run of around 15,000 units, the model was discontinued in 1915 and succeeded by simpler designs. Despite this, it remained a treasured firearm among collectors and enthusiasts. Today, the Smith & Wesson .455 Hand Ejector 1st Model “Triple Lock” is considered a masterpiece of revolver engineering. Its historical importance, combined with its exceptional craftsmanship and performance, makes it a highly sought-after piece among collectors. It stands as a testament to Smith & Wesson’s commitment to quality and innovation in the golden age of revolver design. -C.B..