Lack of Markings on S&W 2nd Model 455 Hand Ejector?

[Killer Kanuck]

I just picked up my 3rd S&W Hand Ejector, and while my first 2 have plenty of military acceptance stamps, this one only has this on the bottom of the grip:

Any ideas? The serial number places is late (very late) in the military run of 72755 revolvers. Has survived quite well over the last 90 odd years.

 

[Alonzo]

I had two of these in my Smith & Wesson collection in the mid 1980's.
Both were lettered from S&W, as being shipped to the Canadian Government during WW1.
One of them had the same marking as you photographed on yours and nothing else. The other a tiny crown stamped behind cylinder release button, it was part of a wartime shipment to the Canadian Govt. and came in named CEF holster (A fellow from the 102nd Batt.).
They are long gone...decades ago.
BTW...beautiful revolver you have there!!!

 

[tumbleweeds13]

Hi, I've got one of those as well, and I can give you a bit of info about it. The only mark mine has is a crown over 11. Mine has a serial # in the 32,000 range as I recall. These were purchased by the Canadian govt. from Smith & Wesson, and the ones with the minimal proof marks were resold to Canadian officers in the CEF. At the time, an officer still had to buy all his own equipment, and to facilitate a ready source of the correct revolvers, the govt. bought a bunch. Some were issued to NCO's, couriers, etc. and have the full panoply of Canadian proof marks. Some, such as mine and the one in the pics, were held in storage until they were sold to the various officers. Hope that helps. Nice gun. Mine is really accurate. Smooth trigger. Back when S&W still did things right. Enjoy.

 

[Killer Kanuck]

Thanks for the help guys. I was just happy to pick up an unmolested example. The other 2 I own have had their front sights modified, and 1 converted to 45 Colt - although with the loads I've tried so far, the 45 Colt one actually holds a better group.
I have to wonder if this revolver even saw service on the front lines of WWI, being one of the last 75 off the production line.