Colt New Service revolver in .455 Eley

[Teddydog]

While wandering around this week, I spotted a Colt New Service revolver in .455 Eley. There was very little finish left, but it didn't have any rusting or pitting. Grips looked good, bore and chambers were nice and smooth. The barrel, cylinder (and the frame, too, I think) were proof stamped with a Crown over U or V (it was a bit hard to tell which and some looked more like U's than V's).

Any idea's what these proofs might be for a gun in .455? I know Crown U can mean South Africa. Listed price was $650, which seemed a bit high to me. I thought I'd do a bit of research before even considering making an offer. Any thoughts are welcome.

Rob

[John Sukey]

$650 is nmot a high price if the cylinder hasn't been shaved Un shaved, the distance between the back of the cylinder and the recoil shield should be between .044 and .048

[Teddydog]

Thanks for the thoughts on the price. Any idea on those proofs, John? It does not have a "broad arrow" or crossed pennants typical of British service, nor the pressure rating of civilian proofs after service. Just the Crown over V or U.

rob

[John Sukey]

Keep in mind that British officers had to purchase their sidearms prior to WW2. Usualy from the Army Navy Cooperative store. While the webley was the most common, any revolver was acceptable as long as it chambered service ammunition.