>>93906The pattern of the Enfield No. 2 revolver would eventually be altered, with the new designation Enfield No. 2*, because adding an asterisk onto a designation to denote a change was an obtuse thing which the British were doing at this time.
This change was simple, omit the spur on the hammer (so you could only really shoot it in double-action), and make the grips out of plastic. The official stated reason for this change was that tankers had complained about the spur of the hammer was snagging on things inside their tanks, but they probably didn't complain, likely the reason was because it was just a little cheaper.
The armed forces actually went through quite a lot of effort to also have as many No. 2 revolvers 'upgraded' like this as they could, and as a result, original unmodified No. 2 revolvers are pretty hard to find.
The change wasn't entirely popular with everyone, and some would put effort in and try to avoid having this modification done to their gun, others would have their armorers add a new spur onto the hammer so it could be manually cocked again.
The previous example I posted I'm fairly certain is a specific one which was issued to an RAF pilot. He thought he didn't need to bring a revolver with him on flights, and thus left it in its holster in his locker for the entire war, eventually he took it home, then eventually moved to the United States, where it still sat doing nothing, until he passed and it turned up in an estate sale.
Not only is this a rare unmodified No. 2 revolver, it also has its original canvas holster, which is incredibly difficult to find, and all in mint condition.
