For years I've owned a hand ejector marked "S&W D.A. 45" that looks like a commercial Model 1917, chambered in .45 ACP (moon clips). Its serial number is just above the range reported for guns assembled from pre-war parts. I've seen that the post-war S prefix serial numbers ended around S209790, but this one is 210230, with no "S" prefix. It has grips serial numbered to the gun that look like post-war magnas to me (and a Tyler T grip).
So exactly what is this oddity? Does the lack of an "S" mean it has the pre-war action? And what do you think its value is for insurance purposes?
One last question. There's a hole for a lanyard ring. I know that military 1917s had one. Would this one? If so, should I install one for correctness?

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I wish I could answer some of your questions but all I can say is I LIKE IT. someone will be along that has more knowledge. lee

I have 210120 with out "S" shipped October 1946 serial very close to yours.

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SWCA 1932 SWHF 135

Toyman - is it set up the same way?

The SCSW, 4th Edition, calls these the 1917 Transitional. It says fewer than 1000 were made and some are without the 'S' prefix and with or without the lanyard ring. Since yours has the hole, it likely left with a lanyard ring. I would replace it if I owned it.

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Guy
SWHF #474 SWCA LM#2629

Guy has the ID and background information correct. It is a nice example and I would probably insure it for $1500. Hope this is helpful.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

The gun has lanyard loop and as I remember has newer style hammer block. I can not get to gun right now will post better photos in a few days. The front sight ahs been modified and back strap grooved.

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SWCA 1932 SWHF 135

Congrats on a very nice rare post war coml. To me it's a completely righteous gun within the serial # range below. I suggest you letter it.

S&W information is updated constantly and even the SCSW-4 must be augmented with new observations and info in the Historical letters as is the following:

A few coml models were produced c. 1946 - 1950 (991 is the usual quantity quoted), most in the 1917 serial range # S209972 to # S210782 (811 #s), but not all, and some without the S prefix.

Issued as commercial models post WW II, found with and w/o lanyard swivels, and are considered "Model 1917 Army Post War Transitional Models", until updated with the short action as the: ".45 HE Model of 1950, Military" in 1951 beginning at #S85000 in the other existing N frame serial # range common to all pre war and post war models except the 1917 Army, but most with added S prefix in 1946.

I also would replace the lanyard swivel.

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Jim
S&WCA #819

Thank you all for your expertise and knowledge. I think adding the lanyard ring/butt swivel is a good idea.
A couple more questions:
*How is the ring/butt swivel secured to the grip frame?
*Would the finish on the ring differ from that on a military model?
I see that Numrich offers a single option, but I can't see the finish. I'll call them tomorrow, but can you recommend other sources?

The swivel attaches with a small cross pin, which may still be present on the grip frame under the stocks. Numrich sells them if not.

It would have been blued, and (likely) the one you would get from any seller would be Parkerized or similarly phosphated (170000 blued M1917s vs. more than 1 million pre- and Victory Model .38s). Try posting a Wanted to Buy ad here if Numrich can't provide you one.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

If you remove the grip, the attachment is obvious.

Here's an alternative source but it will need to be blued. Although much nicer than Parkerized.

Liberty Tree Collectors Phone:207-285-3111
139 Main Street, Corinth, ME 04427
Email:[email protected]
Liberty tree collectors has original, CCH lanyard rings (but without the retaining pin) for $25.

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Jim
S&WCA #819

I have purchased a couple from a guy on eBay. They are nicely blued and will match your "very nice" revolver.

His eBay name is "elysianfield!". You might only find his listing for Colt 1917 lanyard rings, but just tell him you need the S&W, he has them and they're $20 shipped.

Hope that helps.

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Jeb

I have used a nail and a drill bit for a pin.

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John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!

Update:

I found the guy's link. You must ask for the S&W ring. Read the item description for the correct process. Good luck.

1917 Colt revolver lanyard ring/butt swivel w/ pin 1917, New Service/ S&W part | eBay

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Jeb

Congrats, Thats a beautiful example of the model. I also ordered a swivel from the Ebay guy, you do have to specify Smith and Wesson. I picked up a Brazilian model of 1917 that was heavily refinished, nicely done but some of the roll marks like the Brazilian Crest were nearly removed. I had it cut down to 4" and a Baughman style front sights installed, plus a Wondersight rear sight. Its one of my favorite carry revolvers, I shot it today along with a pre-model 25. It doesn't hold a candle to the target model but does an adequate job and gives me self confidence when carrying it.

That looks like MOV, "Minute of Vitals" to me.

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Jeb

I contacted him and the part arrived today, nicely blued. I just installed it and it looks as if it's always been there. Thank you!

I would insure it for $3500.00 as the SCCW 4th edition has it valued as such in excellent condition.