Smith & Wesson .455 Hand Ejector Second Model, .455 Webley, 6.5 in Barrel, WWI British Contract, Blued DA/SA Revolver
This Smith & Wesson .455 Hand Ejector Second Model is a WWI-era revolver produced in 1915–1916 for British service, chambered in .455 Webley. It features British inspection and acceptance stamps, a 6.5 in tapered barrel, and the British contract lanyard ring on the butt. Built on the large-frame Hand Ejector platform that later became the N-frame, it carries period-correct fixed sights, checkered walnut grips with S&W medallions, and classic blued steel construction.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Good - Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Bore Rifling: Good Rifling - Intact, well-defined lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: Pitting and surface rust are present on metal surfaces. The frame shows scattered scratches. The wooden grips have dings, dents, and scratches. The revolver is mechanically sound, and the bore is bright and clean.
What’s Included
- Smith & Wesson .455 Hand Ejector Second Model revolver (6.5 in barrel)
Built for British contract use during WWI, this Second Model retains the correct .455 Webley chambering and period markings. British inspection and acceptance stamps appear on the left frame and on the barrel flat at the frame junction, underscoring its service configuration and provenance from the 1915–1916 production window.
The revolver uses a six-shot fluted cylinder and a double-action/single-action mechanism, paired with an exposed, knurled-tip ejector rod with a front latch and no shroud—typical of early Hand Ejector design. Sights are fixed, with a half-moon front blade and a square-notch groove along the topstrap for a clean, functional sight picture.
Its 6.5 in tapered carbon-steel barrel is rollmarked "SMITH & WESSON .455." on the left side, with the S&W address/patent line on the top. The right frame bears the S&W circular monogram trademark, and the butt is equipped with a lanyard ring as specified for British service revolvers.
Construction is all-carbon steel with a blued finish on the frame, cylinder, and receiver. Checkered walnut grips with S&W medallions complete the period-correct configuration, aligning this example with the large-frame Hand Ejector lineage that would later be known as the N-frame family.