Hello Hunman55
The revolver shown was a Canadian Pilots revolver. It was said to have been shipped in .455 British caliber, then returned to S&W and reamed out to accept the .45 Colt Cartridge. This makes Perfect sense, as the face of the cylinder has not been altered and the serial numbers are still in Tact. Oddly, it does not have a factory Over stamp that it was a conversion, and I was told the Wealthy Family of the Pilot that carried this revolver had it done to Provide him with a Little more Potent round, as the Original .455 was anemic in Power. The adjustable sights were of course and after thought, but are of the Micro Brand and the front base is a King. These may or may not have been installed at the factory at a later date as they Too used King and Later bought Micro to use the same sights on all their adjustable sighted revolvers. Many second issue Hand ejects were conversions. Of the ones done in job shops I have heard it is not uncommon to see the face of the cylinder Milled down to accept the Moon clips when they converted to .45 ACP. Mine still has it's original serial numbers stamped in the cylinder face as shown, Barrel and frame. The grips shown on mine are original and correct for that year vintage revolver as well. on a recent shipping date request I learned mine was sold in may of 1916, rather than shipped. I find that really Interesting, so may apply for a factory Letter. Remington Arms handled the Exporting chore for all the war Time hand ejects back then out of New York City. Some were shipped to Britain and others went to Canada. Mine evidently went to Britain and has the British inspectors stamps on it. The Odd part is mine has less stampings from the British inspectors than most I have seen. I have a research Book that clearly shows what these British stampings mean, and any Information about these Proof marks is very Hard to locate. If you would Like to P.M. Me with the stampings on your revolver I would be able to look them up, and give you some idea of who inspected it and it's Possible this will uncover it's history path. Oddly, there is very Little interest in the .455 round, and most were converted later or sold off after the War and converted then. Mine is the Opposite of yours being Tight on bore. I tried some .003" over bore lead bullets and it produced Horrible groups with them. I switched to standard .45 Caliber Bullets and it is a tack driver. I find it neat that when they Produced these, Speed was Key, and although the Frames appear to be crude, the finish and fit is Great. I removed my side-plate for Oiling Purposes and it was as clean inside as the Outside of the revolver. These revolvers are a Lot of fun to shoot, But I don't push the Upper Limits in Hand Loads as it is what it is.. And Old war Horse. let me know if I can be of help with your revolver's stampings and I would be happy to look them up and share any Information that I have. take care, Hammerdown
