Enfield revolvers

[ipscgraz]

Hope I'm in the right place here...might fit better in MilSurp.

I have 3 Enfield revolvers;

1 - No. 2 Mk 1 with bakelite grips dated 1937 (SA and DA)
1 - No. 2 Mk 1 * with bakelite grips (double action only) dated 1940
These are common and lots of pics available.

I also have one No. 2 Mk 1 with wooden grips dated 1939.

I haven't dug very deep on this, but I haven't seen any information on the wooden grips on these and it is the only one I've seen.

Anybody have any information as to why one would have wood and not bakelite grips?

 

[Dragoon]

I had a No. 2 Mk 1* (don't recall manufacture date) many years ago and it had wooden grips.

 

[Rutger]

NWMP Issue Service Enfields had wooden grips.

 

[GrantR]

NWMP Issue Service Enfields had wooden grips.

Yes .... but that was the .476 "No. 1" Enfield revolver - of course it wasn't actually called that, but is the reason why the .380 Enfield revolver adopted in the late 1920's (which is the model ipscgraz is asking about) was referred to as the "No. 2" ....

Ipscgraz -

According to my references, the earlier No. 2 Enfield revolvers (1927-1942) had wooden grips fitted as standard, with bakelite grips only fitted from 1942-1945. On that basis, the grips on both your 1937 and 1940 revolvers are replacements, most likely. This image and summary are from ".380 Enfield No. 2 Revolver" (Stamps & Skennerton) -

FWIW, here is my 1931-dated No. 2 Enfield ....

 

[ipscgraz]

GrantR...

I am always amazed at the collective knowledge on this forum. I felt guilty and dug around on the web lookng for info after I started this thread. I didn't find anything like what you posted.

This is exactly what I was looking for; thanks very much. FWIW the wooden grips I have are "B" in your photo, with the bakelite grips both "E."

I suspect you are correct in that the Bakelite grips have been installed after manufacture.

 

[Rutger]

Very Interesting. I have an 1884 Mk.II with wooden grips, that was a NWMP service revolver issue.

 

[woodchopper]

Both of my enfield revolvers have wooden grips, both are early 30's manufacture (32-33 or 33-34 I can't remember off hand)

Also they were not the converted to the 'tanker' specs.

I'm only missing the lanyard ring from one.

 

[green]

IIRC the plastic grips were part of a program to develop stocks which were easy to decontaminate when exposed to gas. Existing plastics were too fragile for rifle or Bren but were sufficient for pistol.

 

[GrantR]

Here is what Stamps & Skennerton have to say about the Mark III bakelite grips:

Rutger:

Can you show us an over-all picture of your NWMP Enfield?

This design has to be in the running for the distinction of "world's homeliest revolver', would you agree? I also have the good fortune to own one that is listed in "Arms & Accoutrements of the Mounted Police, 1873-1973" as NWMP-issue:

 

[Rutger]

I'll post some pics this afternoon... If you think the Mk.II is homely in the condition yours is in, mine gets the redheaded stepchild award. It has been abused in its retirement, having been converted into a lamp some time ago.

 

[GrantR]

..... abused in its retirement, having been converted into a lamp some time ago.

.... no, better yetfor whoever did that!

 

[Rutger]

As a Lamp:

After a light cleaning with 0000 wool and some oil:

As you can see from the pics, this revolver is not servicable and has been disabled to fire.

The internals have been disabled as well.

It has more historical value and sentimental value to me, however, and I thought it was better to be cleaned and part of my collection than rusting in a box as a lamp.