.455 Smith and Wesson "22 RS. RFC" marked

[jmoore]

Was having a Smith day at the range in preparation for deer hunting season, and had the opportunity to shoot a few photos of this WWI issued handgun. No great historical insights on it, but the aviation connection is a big bonus.

Enough "bonus" that it's easy to dismiss the reamed chambers that allow use of .45 Colt as well as the original .455 rounds. (The .45 Colt rim counterbores are smaller in diameter than the OD of the thinner .455 rims, so they both function.)

Another interesting thing is the lack of surplus markings...

Information

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[Peter Laidler]

22 Reconnaisance Squadron RFC?

[jmoore]

22 Reconnaisance Squadron RFC?

Yes, but beyond that I don't know anything.

[Warren]

Check the serial number against the date of manufacture. The RFC (Royal Flying Corps) was short lived and the markings are not that consistent with known RFC marked revolvers or pistols.
Finding out any info on the RFC is like pulling teeth. I've been trying for years and even have contacted the Squadrons that are still in existence hoping they have an archives but to no avail. A chap in the UK was going to assist me but has got suddenly quiet as well.

---------- Post added at 11:32 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:27 AM ----------

Check the date of the revolvers manufacture as the RFC (Royal Flying Corps) was only in existence from 1914 to 1918. It was short lived.
The markings are not consistent with known RFC markings on pistols and revolvers.
Finding info on the RFC is like pulling teeth in the UK. I've even contacted the squadrons still in existence hoping they have an archive, but to no avail. A chap in the UK was going to help me but has got suddenly quiet as well.
I wish you luck and if you do find any RFC archives I'd appreciate a note.

[jmoore]

There's a very similar example shown in inset in the Hand Ejector chapter of Supica and Nahas' book, The Standard Catalog of Smith and Wesson, 3rd ed.
Just happened to look there yesterday whilst thumbing through for the umpteenth time this week.