I have a S&W D.A. .45 which I believe is a commercial version of the Model 1917 and I would like to find out the year manufactured. If it is as old as I think (pre-33), I will send for a letter. You're expert help would be appreciated.
Left Side Gun.jpgRight Side Gun.jpg
There is no model number under the yoke. It is a hand ejector. The serial number on the butt, the back of the cylinder, and under the barrel is 178675 with no prefix. It is chambered in .45 ACP (though not labeled as such) with the shoulders machined into the cylinder chambers. It has a 5 1/2-inch barrel, a butt swivel, and 5 screws in the frame.
Serial Number Under Barrel.jpg
There is a star next to the butt frame serial number, which I understand means a factory repair or rebuild. There are no other markings on the butt.

The only barrel markings are "S&W D.A .45" on the left, the 2-line patent on the top, and the serial number on the bottom above the ejector rod.
Imprint on Left Side Barrel.jpg
Please ignore the grips. I installed a set of repro commercial grips since it came with a set of beat-up, badly refinished, non-original "coke bottle-type" grips.

Welcome to the forum.

It is indeed a coml model and a very nice one from the mid-1920s.

The barrel has been replaced at the factory indicated by the diamond stamp. There will be a date under the left stock on the grip frame 'toe' for when it was done. A stamp on the heel of the same side of the grip frame will indicate if refinished as well; R-S in a rectangle for refinish standard blue.

The MADE IN U.S.A. stamp on the frame makes it a post 1922 production and the mushroom extractor knob makes it pre 1930. So you're right, clearly pre 1933.

It's very difficult to date these from the s/n because they shipped out of order and surplus GI frames were used for other models besides the 1917 Coml models.

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Jim
S&WCA #819

Commercial models are worth a premium. I would definitely spend the $75 to get it lettered. Then you will have it documented and know the shipping date to boot.

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You're shy a few manners.

Another item is that it has the S&W logo stamp on the left side which makes it a commercial gun from the post-WWI to pre-1937 period. Although SNs alone do not provide much of a basis for accurate dating, on my list is SN 1796xx which shipped in 11/1926.

Hondo44,

Thanks for the great information. I had assumed the diamond stamp was a proof mark. "9.51" is stamped under the left side grip on the toe of the frame which I assume is September 1951. There is no "R-S" in a rectangle on the heel of the frame but there is another diamond stamp so it appears the barrel change was all that was done.

I had not read about the extractor knob so that really helps narrow it down. Thank you.

DWalt,

I understand what you are saying about the SNs being inadequate for dating but thanks a lot for the date information you provided.

Jack Flash,

I like to collect firearms but I am no S&W expert. Did not know the commercial models would be more desirable. I assumed a military gun would be more sought after just for the history.

Many people do prefer the military M1917s. However, the commercial variation is more rare so that is why they bring more. Or so some sources say.

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You're shy a few manners.