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THE .455 SECOND MODEL HAND EJECTOR

Eliminating the ejector rod shroud and yoke-mounted locking lug of the First Model brought the .455 Hand Ejector into conformance with the British concept of a proper military handgun. Smith & Wesson quite logically labeled the re-designed revolver the “.455 Second Model.” Other changes incorporated into the Second Model included a slight increase in the diameter of the cylinder, with a corresponding enlargement of the cylinder recess in the frame. Additionally, the recoil shield on the left side of the frame was contoured to better accommodate the center pin of the cylinder. Finally, a more subdued satin blue replaced the high-luster finish of the First Model. Among characteristics shared by both the First and Second Models were the 6-1/2-inch barrel, finely checkered walnut stocks and a lanyard ring in the butt of the grip frame.

A Canadian contract S&W .455 Second Model and holster which once belonged to Lt. Martin H. Bluethner of the 5th Canadian Mounted Rifles Battalion rest on a copy of Lt. Bluethner’s Certificate of Service (discharge form). Martin Bluethner served over four years with the Canadian Expeditionary Force and was honorably discharged March 20, 1919.