New to the forum. Requesting info on M1917 S&W 45. Serial number on butt of pistol is 361XX, number on crane or yoke are 896X. Which is serial number and the other stands for what? Any other information on this revolver will be greatly appreciated.

Pictures are always nice and helpful.

The serial # is on the bottom of the butt frame and the number you reference on the crane or yoke is likely an assembly number.

I am assuming you are asking about military markings and information? Serial numbers for 1917 - 1919 range from 1 - 169959. The one you refer to, serial #361XX, should be an "early issue" Model 1917 because it falls in the serial # range from 1 to somewhere around 42000 and should be marked GHS for Gilbert H. Stewart. The butt frame should be stamped "U.S. ARMY MODEL 1917" in four lines. "UNITED STATES PROPERTY" should be stamped on the flat surface on the bottom of the barrel. Top of barrel stamped "Smith & Wesson Springfield Mass U.S.A. Patented Dec. 17, 1901. Feb 6, 1906. Sep. 14, 1909."
Usually a U.S. Ordnance flaming bomb is on left side of frame just in front of the hammer. Plain walnut stocks might have U.S. stamped on inside of grips.

A commercial gun is a darker bluing than the military guns and has checkered grips with S&W monograms.

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Scoundrel & Ne'er-Do-Well

Thanks, tried to post pictures but no go. Grips are plain, does not have a U.S. Ordnance flaming bomb but all the other markings are correct as you stated also on left side of barrel is "S&W D.A. 45". Just in front of the hammer left side is "GHS" stamped on top of each other. Thanks again.

Sevenmoons,
You're welcome. Your are correct, and sorry I left out, there should be "S&W D.A. 45" stamped on barrel. Everything you describe makes the revolver sound correct.
Good luck.

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Scoundrel & Ne'er-Do-Well