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Model ID on Colt New Service 455 Eley

Henry0ReillyHenry0Reilly Member Posts: 10,892 ✭✭✭
edited April 2004 in Ask the Experts
This gun has numerous marks on the left side. In large letters on the top strap it says "MCNEAL" There are two proofs above the cylinder release latch side by side, a crown on top of 6B with an E underneath, the other has the crown, VS, and again the E on the bottom. Also in this area is chevron looking mark with a vertical coming down in the center making it resemble a pagoda roof or parasol. On the crane is are 4 symbols sort resembling canoe paddles, 2 on either side of a line. The "paddle" portion is inboard towards this line and the ones on the right side have a little squiggle going outboard. This may be two different marks side by side as a single mark of this type appears below the cylinder latch. The barrel is marked "new service" and "455 Eley" There is a lanyard loop on the butt. The grips are ill fitting and not original. There is a 6 digit number under the crane, 125287 and a W below that.

My best guess is that these are British proofs, but my friend would like to know for sure what he has, since there are many variations listed in the bluebook. If this is insufficient info, I might be able to get pictures but not 'til the weekend.

Thanks in advance,

Henry

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I used to recruit for the NRA until they sold us down the river (again!) in Heller v. DC. See my auctions (if any) under username henryreilly
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Comments

  • 22WRF22WRF Member Posts: 3,385
    edited November -1
    Canadian?????
    The Colt New Service Revolver - chambered in .455 Eley - was also adopted as the official sidearm of the RNWMP in 1904, remaining in service with the Force until 1954.



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  • XracerXracer Member Posts: 1,990 ✭
    edited November -1
    That Colt New Service was manufactured in 1916. It was probably purchased by the British or Canadian Army.
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  • 22WRF22WRF Member Posts: 3,385
    edited November -1
    BTW Henry
    You may want a smith to check it out if your planning to shoot it.
    A lot of these 455 Eely's have been rechambered to 45 Long Colt


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  • captkirk3@dslextreme.comcaptkirk3@dslextreme.com Member Posts: 3,804
    edited November -1
    Definately British Proofs: The Chevron with the Verticle bar is the New Proof Act of 1868 Mark, showing the the Firearm in question was made for the Military but had been released For Sale to other Countries and that the Guns were still in acceptable shooting condition.The rest of the marks you discribe are In House Accptance Marks that were used by inspectors while the Gun was being manufactured... The PADDLES You talk about are the Barrel Firing Acceptance Proof Mark...Some had BPC, or V or S or O...The Government used differant Marks for Military Arms as oppossed to Civil Firearms....The lanyard always means that the Weapon in Question was made for Army, Navy, Home Guard or the East India Company and is some instances Empire Nations such as New Zealand, Australia, South Africa....etc...I think that about covers your questions.....Now, I'm gonna go down to My boat and sit in the shade on ther Aft Deck and Watch the 'C.G.U Elevens' Fly around, over and by.....Best.....Captain Kirk
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    Captain Kirk, Tech Staff
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