Smith & Wesson First Model New Century Triple Lock .455 Webley Mark II British Service Revolver, Manufactured 1915 C&R
Archival record: Specifications and condition reflect the firearm as listed at the time of auction.
Final Auction Price: $3,101.00
Manufactured in 1915 for British military service during World War I, this Smith & Wesson First Model New Century Hand Ejector represents one of the most historically significant configurations of the celebrated Triple Lock revolver. Chambered in .455 Webley Mark II, this British contract example retains its original blue finish, 6.5 inch barrel, matching numbered components, and distinctive third cylinder locking mechanism. Accompanied by a Smith & Wesson factory letter confirming its original configuration, the revolver remains in Very Good Plus condition with approximately 95 percent of its original metal finish. Its documented history also includes ownership by noted antique arms collector Dr. W. Lloyd Hudson, Jr.
Identification
MMA#: 260421LA007
Make: Smith & Wesson
Model: First Model New Century Hand Ejector (Triple Lock), British Service
Serial Number: 4499
Year of Manufacture: 1915
Caliber: .455 Webley Mark II
Action Type: Six Shot Double Action / Single Action Revolver with Swing Out Fluted Cylinder
Barrel Length: 6.5 Inches, Pinned
Finish: Blue
Military Association: British Service, World War I
Classification: Curio & Relic
Sights / Optics
The front sight is a rounded half moon blade with a rectangular base, integral to the barrel.
The rear sight is a U shaped notch machined into a raised section of the frame’s top strap.
This fixed sight arrangement is consistent with the revolver’s original British military configuration.
Grip Configuration & Condition
The grips are two piece checkered walnut panels with smooth diamonds surrounding the grip screws and brass Smith & Wesson medallions.
The interior of the right grip panel is marked in pencil with the matching serial number.
The left panel exhibits noticeable weathering near its lower edge. Both panels show scattered small nicks and scratches, particularly toward the bottom.
The checkering remains generally sharp, with no chips or cracks.
Overall grip condition: Fine.
Markings
The revolver retains clear factory markings along with British proof and release from stores markings applied during its service history.
These markings remain crisp and provide important evidence of the revolver’s British military association.
All appropriate numbered components, including the third locking mechanism, match the revolver.
Finish & Overall Condition
Type of Finish: Blue
Finish Originality: Original
This revolver retains approximately 95 percent of its original metal finish.
Finish loss and light erosion are present along the sides of the muzzle. Additional scattered scratches, small nicks, and light edge thinning are visible throughout.
More noticeable areas of erosion appear on the right side of the barrel, with lighter erosion along the backstrap.
The cylinder exhibits a turn line through the finish.
The smooth service trigger and hammer retain attractive swirls of their original case hardened colors. The lanyard loop also retains some color.
The screw heads show light use.
Factory markings, British proof marks, and release from stores markings remain crisp.
Overall condition: Very Good Plus.
Bore & Mechanics
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. A few faint spots of freckling are visible near the muzzle.
In the original evaluator’s opinion, the bore rates 9.5 out of 10.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly during mechanical evaluation.
The cylinder exhibits light side to side play.
The revolver was not test fired.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories
Included is a Smith & Wesson factory letter documenting the revolver’s original configuration.
The letter confirms that the revolver was shipped with:
Original blue finish
6.5 inch round barrel
Forged round blade front sight
Fixed rear notch sight
Six shot fluted cylinder
Butt swivel
Checkered square butt walnut grips with Smith & Wesson medallions
The revolver was also reported by the consignor to have been acquired at auction from the estate of antique arms collector Dr. W. Lloyd Hudson, Jr., of Columbus, Georgia.
Our Assessment
The Smith & Wesson First Model New Century Hand Ejector, better known as the Triple Lock, occupies an important place in American revolver history. Introduced in 1908, it was Smith & Wesson’s first N frame revolver and incorporated an unusual third locking point at the front of the cylinder crane. Combined with its other locking surfaces, this arrangement provided exceptionally rigid cylinder support and helped establish the Triple Lock’s reputation for precision engineering and mechanical refinement.
When World War I created an urgent demand for additional British military sidearms, Smith & Wesson supplied revolvers chambered in .455 Webley, the standard British service revolver cartridge. Approximately 5,000 First Model Triple Lock revolvers were produced in this British military configuration before subsequent wartime production transitioned to the simplified Second Model Hand Ejector. Many surviving examples experienced extensive military use, while others were later altered, refinished, or converted to different cartridges.
This 1915 British Service example is particularly noteworthy for its documented originality. The accompanying Smith & Wesson factory letter confirms its original blue finish, 6.5 inch barrel, military sight configuration, lanyard swivel, and checkered walnut stocks. The appropriate numbered components, including the distinctive third locking mechanism, remain matching. British proof and release from stores markings further document its military history.
Condition is especially appealing for a revolver of this age and background. Approximately 95 percent of the original blue finish remains, with attractive case hardened colors still visible on the hammer and trigger. The bore is bright with sharp rifling and rates 9.5 out of 10. Although scattered erosion, handling marks, and minor mechanical play are present, the revolver remains in Very Good Plus condition.
Its reported provenance adds another dimension of collector interest. According to the consignor, the revolver was acquired from the estate of Dr. W. Lloyd Hudson, Jr., a noted antique arms collector from Columbus, Georgia. Combined with its factory documentation, matching components, original configuration, and World War I British military association, this Triple Lock represents a significant surviving example of one of Smith & Wesson’s most celebrated early twentieth century revolver designs.
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Every firearm featured in the Mt. McCoy Auctions Vault is professionally photographed, carefully cataloged, and thoroughly documented to preserve its history and condition. Our archival records provide collectors with detailed information regarding originality, condition, mechanical function, and historical significance, creating a lasting resource long after each auction has concluded.
