Earlier S&W Model 1917

[mdmorrissey]

Picked this up recently and wanted to share. Its a little late for a grooved hammer, but not out of the range of being "correct". As I understand, the theory is that S&W did away with the grooved hammers at around serial 15,000, but that it is generally acceptable to find them up to serial 25,000 on an "exception" basis. All parts match (grip panel too, but didn't want to take it off again just for a photo), so in my opinion, it is a totally righteous piece. I mated it with an original holster that I have to make a nice rig. (Point of note: the crude you see on the cylinder near the serial is a little leather debris that stuck when I pulled it out of the holster and is not rust). Enjoy - thoughts and opinions are welcomed.

 

[mdmorrissey]

More pix of the 1917

 

[SS336]

Well, what I think is……..Wow. That's nice. Great shape, looks great. I would like to own it.
but I am kind of a fan boy. Like 1917's

 

[Heinz]

Very nice. I think even nicer than mine. In the first photos it looked like it was missing the lanyard ring. Lanyards are still available out there,

 

[JH1951]

Very nice. I would also be pleased to own that one. Thanks for sharing.
I have several and shoot most of them. They are a real experience to shoot if you never have. Take it out and enjoy it.

 

[LostintheOzone]

That's a pretty heavy turn line on the cylinder. Somebody has shot this gun.

Seriously, that's in very nice condition and I would be proud to own it.

Don't forget to shoot it.

 

[shil]

Outstanding! I am envious. It's in great shape! I have hereby been inspired to get the mothballs off of mine (not quite in as nice condition as yours). The prices of those revolvers seem to have entered the stratosphere.
Enjoy yours!

 

[merl67]

That is a very nice righteous early 1917 ! I have one in the 6000 serial number range not quite as nice as yours, but enjoy it just the same.

 

[Jack Flash]

Is that "9" in the serial number typical of S&Ws of the period?

I have never noticed one like that before. It looks a lot different from the 9 in "1917" above it.

 

[handejector]

Is that "9" in the serial number typical of S&Ws of the period?

I have never noticed one like that before. It looks a lot different from the 9 in "1917" above it.

The fonts are fancier in lower numbers and they vary, probably because punches wore out and were replaced. In my observation, a more traditional (plainer) font is used later. I don't know when it started, but a gun I had, # 46691 had the plainer font.
Here is an earlier 9 that is similar, but different---

 

[StrawHat]

That is in very nice condition. Fortunately, it shows enough wear that I would have no problem taking it to the range. I would not carry it a holster, at least not a loose fitting one so as to save the bluing but it would see range time.

Kevin

 

[SS336]

My 1905,4th change, M&P has that "pigs tail" 9 on it's assembly numbers. Wiregrass said it was made in 1915. Here is a picture of it.

 

[hkcavalier]

I'm glad I found a similar one over the summer. Still looking for an original holster. Pachmayr grip adapter isn't exactly period correct but makes shooting more comfortable.

 

[Jack Flash]

My oldest S&W, shipped end of 1915, doesn't have a "9" in the s/n. I just checked the assembly number on the frame inside the yolk, and it has a "9" that looks just like the "9" in post 12 (SS336's gun). Not as much of a curlicue as the one in the OP and a little different than the one posted by Lee (Handejector).

 

[ddixie884]

Nice, congrats. Thanx for dharing..........