S&W .455 45 caliber

jmecherul

Hi

I have s&w .455 2nd model cal 45 (this might be a mark II) SN: 45006. It has a small crossing flags symbol. It might be the commercial model as much as i read. This is the 6.5" barrel. The bore is smooth and shiny condition but would need a cleaning. Finish I would say is somewhere more than 80% with a few scratches, maybe a little patina??, and the inscriptions are clear. Mechanically perfect.

I would like an expert opinion on how much this would cost, what year is it made, if I am right about the model and all. All help is appreciated. Thanks.

Jmecherul

rhmc24

This reply somehow seems to me like deja vu. Few months ago for $450 I bought one similar with British proofs, also .45 Colt converted, about 95% but with original smooth grips and butt lanyard ring. Mine does not have S&W civilian high polish finish, more like satin. Grips on yours are not original and no butt ring. Mine was said to be 1915 WWI military contract. Yours looks military and may be of British commonwealth .455 Brit caliber. Hope this helps.

My .45 Colt, formerly .455, shoots as well as I can hold - or better.

5mmgunguy

Can you chamber a 45LC in the cylinder? It says .455 with what appears to be an overstamp saying 45 S&W. The 45 S&W is shorter than the 45LC. It would be interesting to know if a 45LC will chamber. Anyway you can check?

jmecherul

Hi
i do not have any rounds, so i do not know, i am not an expert.

jmecherul

5mmgunguy

If you open the cylinder and look into the chambers, there should be a clear shoulder inside. Can you measure from the shoulder to end of the chamber by the ejector.

dfletcher

quote:Originally posted by jmecherul
Hi
i do not have any rounds, so i do not know, i am not an expert.

jmecherul


You could add a photo of the cylinder from the rear. We'll be able to tell by the location of the shoulder in the chamber since the 455 is markedly shorter than the LC.

Looks like she needs a good oiling & clean up, and the grips should be the service with medallion type, but otherwise in OK shape.

Mine is a 45 LC convert and standard diameter .451 - .452 bullets don't do very well. I order .454 diameter bullets from Penn Bullets and they work much better.

5mmgunguy

Yes I think the 445 was a .454 barrel not the normal .451.

jmecherul

here are some pictures

how much do you think this one would cost if i sell it?





jmecherul

crazy charlie

If it were me I'd log on to armscollectors.com.
They helped me with some identification questions.
As far as 'how much is it worth?' This question is best answered by saying that which one wants to pay. See what the above site says.
Someone there could give you a starting or ballpark figure. If you want to sell you can put it up for auction with a reserve figure.

daveald

reading your post suggests that you have limited experiance with guns. but you should be able to distinuish between the 45 LC, or the 45auto, as it is a revolver I would guess its a LC. Anyway you should be able to judge the depth of the shoulder in the chamber.
The 45 auto is approx 7/8 (.875)of an inch. The 45 LC is approx 1and 1/4 of an in.1.250. You can find something of a similar diameter to measure the depth of the shoulder. like a 410 shotgun shell

rhmc24

The photo of the cylinder shows the serial number. Usually when they are converted to .45Colt the cyl is turned a bit to give more cartridge rim space. This removes the number. Maybe the barrel mark means something other than .45 Colt

If someone recognizes it as some rare variation it might bring a better price but as it looks so far it might not top $500.