British, Interwar - Dated 1935, Enfield No.2 Mk I* .38/200 Service Revolver, Matching Serial No. D8744, FTR/52, EU/UK Deactivated - 25

An original British Enfield No.2 service revolver, manufactured by the Royal Small Arms Factory, Enfield, in 1935 and chambered for the .38/200 service cartridge, dimensionally equivalent to .38 Smith & Wesson. Bearing matching serial number D8744 on the cylinder, underside of the frame and underside of the barrel, this is an attractive and well-marked example of Britain’s principal military revolver of the Second World War.

Originally manufactured as an early No.2 Mk I revolver, this example was subsequently converted to Mk I* specification during military service, as denoted by the separately applied five-pointed star following the “No.2 Mk I” frame designation. The left side of the frame is further stamped with the Enfield factory mark, a British Broad Arrow government ownership mark and the prominent FTR/52 stamp, recording its Factory Thorough Repair in 1952 and demonstrating its continued post-war military service.

The barrel rib is stamped “35”, confirming 1935 manufacture, together with additional British military inspection and ownership marks, while the top of the barrel is correctly marked “CAL .38”. Serial number D8744 is clearly repeated on the cylinder, underside of the frame and underside of the barrel, confirming that the revolver retains its matching principal numbered components.

The cylinder additionally bears the marking “F.49”, understood as a factory steel batch or production-control marking, together with further Enfield inspection stamps. The rear face of the extractor is marked “T68”, while numerous British military inspection marks, proof stamps and later Birmingham deactivation markings remain visible throughout.

The revolver is fitted with later-pattern black chequered military plastic grip panels with plain metal grip escutcheons. These are appropriate service replacements for an early revolver that underwent later military conversion and refurbishment, and are consistent with its documented 1952 Factory Thorough Repair.

Approximate Measurements: Barrel length: 5 inches (12.7 cm). Calibre: .38/200 (.38 Smith & Wesson).

History Note:
Adopted by the British Army in 1932, the Enfield No.2 revolver replaced the ageing large-frame Webley service revolvers and became one of Britain’s principal military sidearms throughout the Second World War. Chambered for the .38/200 cartridge, it was issued to officers, tank crews, military police, aircrew, Home Guard units and specialist personnel across the major theatres of war.This revolver was manufactured in 1935, placing it among the early production examples originally made in No.2 Mk I configuration with single- and double-action capability. During military service it was subsequently converted to Mk I* specification, reflecting the British Army programme of simplifying earlier revolvers to double-action-only operation.

The prominent FTR/52 marking records a Factory Thorough Repair in 1952. During this process, military firearms were stripped, inspected, repaired and updated as necessary before being returned to service or reserve stores. The later-pattern black plastic grips and separately applied Mk I* star are consistent with this extended programme of military conversion and refurbishment.

*Condition*
Presented in good overall military condition with honest service wear throughout. The military finish displays expected thinning and edge wear, together with scattered handling marks, surface scratches and small areas of finish loss consistent with prolonged service use and subsequent storage.

The later-pattern black chequered plastic grip panels remain securely fitted and show moderate age-related wear. The plain metal grip escutcheon on the left panel displays noticeable rubbing and surface wear. Most principal markings remain clear and legible, including the No.2 Mk I* designation, matching serial number D8744, FTR/52 refurbishment stamp, British Broad Arrow ownership marks, 1935 barrel date and “CAL .38” calibre marking.

Mechanically, the revolver retains useful display functionality despite its current EU/UK deactivation. The top-break action opens correctly, exposing the cylinder, blocked chambers and extractor assembly for inspection. The double-action trigger operates and advances the cylinder, although the hammer does not remain cocked in single action. Please study the photographs carefully, as they form an integral part of the condition report.