Make: Smith & Wesson

Model: .455 Mark II Hand Ejector 2nd Model, Canadian Military

Serial Number: 70537

Year of Manufacture: 1916

Caliber: .455 Webley Mk II

Action Type: 6-Shot, Double Action / Single Action, Swing-Out, Fluted Cylinder Revolver

Barrel Length: 6 1/2”, Pinned

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a half-round blade with a rectangular base, integral to the barrel. The rear sight is a "U"-notch integral to the topstrap.

Stock Configuration & Condition: The grips are checkered walnut with smooth diamonds around the grip screws and S&W medallions. The inside of each panel has the serial number hand-written in pencil. The grips have minor handling wear and infrequent discoloration. There are some small nicks on the bottom and a spot of compressed checkers on the right panel in front of the diamond. The checkering is generally well defined. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the grips are in Very Good-plus condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original, numbered parts match.

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 10/10.

Overall Condition: This handgun retains about 92% of its metal finish. The finish is thinning at most edges. The grip areas show light handling wear. There are scattered small nicks and thin scratches. There is infrequent oxidation, mostly on the left of the front sight base and the barrel just below. The action shows light operational wear including a thin turn-line on the cylinder. The screw heads range from sharp to tool marked with strong slots. The markings are clear, some have been paint-filled. Overall, this revolver is in Very Good-Fine condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. 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: Photos of a Smith & Wesson factory records letter are included. The letter indicates that this revolver was shipped July 18, 1916 and delivered to the Canadian Government in its current configuration.

Our Assessment: This is Smith & Wesson’s .455 Hand Ejector 2nd Model. The Commonwealth nations were unable to keep up with wartime demands and purchased a number of American arms chambered for their service cartridges to help fill their backlog. About 74,000 were made between the two variants during the Great War, but only 14,500 were made for the Canadians with the remainder going to the British. The revolver has a 6 1/2" barrel with a blued finish, service sights, and checkered walnut stocks. Many, likely most, of these revolvers that made it to America were re-chambered for a more common American cartridge such as .45 Colt or .45 ACP and some saw additional modifications such as shortening the barrel or altering the grip frame profile. It is uncommon to find an unaltered example such as this one, and you'll be hard pressed to find one in this high condition. After 110 years, the condition of the recoil shield would indicate that the revolver has been opened and closed more than it has been actually fired. For S&W, Canadian, or WWI small arms collectors, this is a wonderful find. Please see our photos and good luck!