Canadian Contract .455 S &W H-E WWI revolver

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varifleman

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Here for your perusal is Canadian WWI contract .455 (still in orginal chambering) S&W H-E pistol serial number 17464. According to the Smith & Wesson letter this revolver was shipped from their factory on September 23, 1915 and delivered to Remington Arms -Union Metallic Cartridge Company, New York City, agents for the British Government. Any help in deciphering the unit designation on 1 H R 2 on the backstrap appreciated.







 
Nice gun, I'm not sure why you say 'Canadian Contract' though if the letter states it was shipped to British agents in New York City?

I would imagine the markings on the back are British unit markings, I would try canadiansoldiers.com for more info as some of the fellows there will likely know.

-Steve
 
Steve1987 said:
Nice gun, I'm not sure why you say 'Canadian Contract' though if the letter states it was shipped to British agents in New York City?

I would imagine the markings on the back are British unit markings, I would try canadiansoldiers.com for more info as some of the fellows there will likely know.

-Steve
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Hi Steve; all the six chambers are marked with the crossed pennants/Canadian proofs and the left side of the frame below the cylinder release is marked with the C/broad arrow Canadian property mark. It was orginally issued to the British Army since it has British inspection/property marks and later was seconded to the Canadians. i should have titled post British/Canadian contract etc.
 
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The Cdn contract S&Ws were stamped with a crown over a 2 digit number on the bottom of the grip.
 
cigar_man said:
I just bought one of these myself and should have it in my grubby hands in a few days.

#537@@

Mine came with a holster and lanyard.

It is in stinkin mint shape and has a crown over a 2 digit number on the bottom of it's grip.

No C broad arrow.

It belonged to a Major George Henry Hollier out of Tilsonburg, Ontario.

He was a Captain with the 22nd Regiment Oxford Rifles.

Made his attestation papers to the 168th Battalion as a Captain on March 30th 1916.

He served with B Company of the 168th.

Be here when they go and be here when they get back
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Gobles in Tillsonburg had a nice one in .455 last week when I was in. The lanyard ring is gone and a plastic adaptor is fastened to the inside of the grip.

The finish is excellent and the Canadian Army markings are sharp.

They wanted less than $500 for it. I told them what it was so that may have changed. I rarely see them for sale in that kind of condition.
 
varifleman said:
Hi Steve; all the six chambers are marked with the crossed pennants/Canadian proofs and the left side of the frame below the cylinder release is marked with the C/broad arrow Canadian property mark. It was orginally issued to the British Army since it has British inspection/property marks and later was seconded to the Canadians. i should have titled post British/Canadian contract etc.
Click to expand...

While the C^ is definitely a Canadian property marking, the DCP proof marks are not.

The use of DCP proof markings (between the chambers on this gun) is apparently Canadian Military inspectors seconded to accept the British order for the British Gov't.

Nothing to do with Canadian contract nor property.

Just like the other commonly found Model 1892 Winchester 44-40 carbines, and Remington 44-40 pump action rifles were marked with DCP proof markings were accepted on behalf of the British Gov't and issued to the Royal Navy...mostly for armed trawlers and minesweepers...
 
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Lee Enfield said:
While the C^ is definitely a Canadian property marking, the DCP proof marks are not.

The use of DCP proof markings (between the chambers on this gun) is apparently Canadian Military inspectors seconded to accept the British order for the British Gov't.

Nothing to do with Canadian contract nor property.

Just like the other commonly found Model 1892 Winchester 44-40 carbines, and Remington 44-40 pump action rifles were marked with DCP proof markings were accepted on behalf of the British Gov't and issued to the Royal Navy...mostly for armed trawlers and minesweepers...
Click to expand...

I think you are correct about the DCP proofs. Included in the Royal Navy Winchesters were either five or seven thousand model 1894 saddle ring carbines in .30 WCF(depending on which figures you use in Navy records) I had one a while back.
 
Lee Enfield said:
While the C^ is definitely a Canadian property marking, the DCP proof marks are not.

The use of DCP proof markings (between the chambers on this gun) is apparently Canadian Military inspectors seconded to accept the British order for the British Gov't.

Nothing to do with Canadian contract nor property.

Just like the other commonly found Model 1892 Winchester 44-40 carbines, and Remington 44-40 pump action rifles were marked with DCP proof markings were accepted on behalf of the British Gov't and issued to the Royal Navy...mostly for armed trawlers and minesweepers...
Click to expand...

Thanks for the clarification re DCP marks; great to hear from other forum members who have expertise on such matters.
 
WOW, I didn't know S&W supplied arms to Canada during the first world war. Are you sure on this? I know Colt did, as I have a Colt New Service revolver in the same caliber (.455 Webley). These were initially made for the British, but Canada adopted them too and later the Northwest Mounted Police (now RCMP). Cool gun!
 
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