Smith & Wesson Model 25-5 with German Proof Marks

[zipty6]

This is a Smith & Wesson Model 25-5 in 45 Colt. It has a 5 3/4 inch barrel and German Proof marks. The marking indicate that it was imported to Germany, then brought back to the US. There is no import mark for a US importer.

Based on the input from another forum and my own research, the marking break down like this:

Eagle Over N = Final Nitro Proof - barrel & receiver separately
Wicker Basket = Mellrichstadt Proof House
ahak = for Albrecht Kind aus Hunstig German importer

 

[gerhard1]

Wow!!! What a beaut! One thing I note with some interest is the odd (to me) barrel length. What gives on that, any ideas? BTW, I have a 5" Model 27 that has German proof-marks. It was made in 1968. Beautiful gun.

 

[zipty6]

Wow!!! What a beaut! One thing I note with some interest is the odd (to me) barrel length. What gives on that, any ideas? BTW, I have a 5" Model 27 that has German proof-marks. It was made in 1968. Beautiful gun.

I'm also curious about the barrel length. (I measured it multiple times to be certain.) My only guess is that it was manufactured to meet German import requirements.

 

[Glock 'em down]

Did you measure from the face of the cylinder? Or from the front of the frame?

From the face of the cylinder to the muzzle is the correct measurement.

Gorgeous iron.

 

[zipty6]

Did you measure from the face of the cylinder? Or from the front of the frame?

From the face of the cylinder to the muzzle is the correct measurement.

Gorgeous iron.

 

[dlbleak]

That thing is beautiful. I HAD a nickel 25-5 once. Picture me kicking myself in the butt for trading it....

 

[dennishoddy]

Beautiful pistol. Very unique with the german markings and barrel length.
I have the 25-5 in 8 3/4" length. Smooth shooter.

 

[dennishoddy]

That thing is beautiful. I HAD a nickel 25-5 once. Picture me kicking myself in the butt for trading it....

 

[dlbleak]

Don't I know it. Is there an emoji that kicks the little dude off the screen!

 

[Shadowrider]

5.75" = 145.05MM. .05MM is less than .002" so I'm betting that gun was spec'd as a 145MM barrel length. I'm curious as to whether the proof marks were stamped before of after it got to Germany.

That one would definitely be worth getting the letter on. Great looking piece!