M1917 Mystery
- Thread starter gfraz
- Start date
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Sure looks like a M1917, you could get a letter from Smith & Wesson on when and where it was shipped and who purchased it.
Is this a prank post? That revolver is not legal without a
serial number. Hope you didn't pay for it.
serial number. Hope you didn't pay for it.
Yes, a 1917 with the SN removed and likely the US Property stamp on the barrel too. You can probably find the Springfield Armory acceptance stamps (eagle's head) on the cylinder or on the frame as those worried about SNs didn't usually remove those.
You can't get a letter without an SN. Whoever removed the SNs may have missed the one on the back of the ejector star. You need to look though the cylinder holes and turn the star while having enough light to see a stamp.
Technically the gun is contraband without the SN on the butt. The ATF will confiscate it if you show it to them although I think they have better things to do than chase down 100+ year old former military firearms. Some here will recommend selling the parts and tossing the frame. If you just bought it, you might return it to the seller pointing out the lack of an SN. If you did just buy it, and from an FFL, I'd be curious to know what number was used as the SN. I've seen some like it sold using the assembly number.
Probably still a reliable old shooter if you're not worried about the ATF issue. And welcome to the Forum, lots of good info here.
Jeff
SWCA #1457
You can't get a letter without an SN. Whoever removed the SNs may have missed the one on the back of the ejector star. You need to look though the cylinder holes and turn the star while having enough light to see a stamp.
Technically the gun is contraband without the SN on the butt. The ATF will confiscate it if you show it to them although I think they have better things to do than chase down 100+ year old former military firearms. Some here will recommend selling the parts and tossing the frame. If you just bought it, you might return it to the seller pointing out the lack of an SN. If you did just buy it, and from an FFL, I'd be curious to know what number was used as the SN. I've seen some like it sold using the assembly number.
Probably still a reliable old shooter if you're not worried about the ATF issue. And welcome to the Forum, lots of good info here.
Jeff
SWCA #1457
It wasn't until the 1968 Gun Control Act that serial numbers became federal law.
It is against the law to alter or obliterate a serial number.
It is against the law to alter or obliterate a serial number.
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I would like to go with you to the BATFE office with that gun and show them.
Can I have the stocks first?...
...BenJim Watson
Member
It is against the law to possess a firearm with altered or removed serial number. They don't have to show you did it, just that you have it.
Probably not many prosecutions except piling on to scare a crook into taking a plea bargain.
Neat old gun. Problem is, the poo stick couldn't be long enough.
Sorry to say, but ANY poo stick would be too short.
What a shame that another nice artifact is altered and rendered useless.
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If you haven’t already, have a look at the barrel flat (near the extractor rod), rear cylinder face and inside right stock panel (in pencil) for a number. They are not official but if the same number is present in these places it suggests it may be the original serial number.
The ATF ‘may’ allow you to petition for a replacement serial number to be stamped on it or may confiscate it, as noted above. May want to avoid potential troubles.
It is true GCA ‘68 mandated serial numbers, but my understanding of the law is you can’t legally remove one from a gun that had an SN from the factory.
The ATF ‘may’ allow you to petition for a replacement serial number to be stamped on it or may confiscate it, as noted above. May want to avoid potential troubles.
It is true GCA ‘68 mandated serial numbers, but my understanding of the law is you can’t legally remove one from a gun that had an SN from the factory.
The US Gov't mandated that Handguns (any caliber) and CF Rifles be ser#'d by their mfg'r in Jan/1958. That to start taking place as of July of 1958.
Exempt from ser#'g were Shotguns, and RF longguns.
The GCA68 added the 2 exempt catagorys to the 'must be ser#'d' list in 12/1968.
So as of that date, all catagorys of firearms were supposed to be ser#'d by their manufacturer in the USA.
Imports as well required.
The Fed Law that made it a Felony to Remove, Alter or Obliterate a Manufacturers applied ser# on a firearm was passed in the Federal Firearms Act of 1938.
It's been in effect ever since either in that law or the GCA68 that took it's place.
It also covers the possession of a firearm w/ser# so altered/removed/etc.
Yes there are instances when the ATF and the US Revenue Dept (it's predecessor) will/would restamp an obliterated/removed ser#. Or re-issue a new ser# usually in the case of a recovered-stolen firearm.
But it's not an everyday occurance and you can't count on it happening when presenting one to them.
It even took a big deal meeting of the minds and several weeks of hand wringing some yrs back by the Agency to decide wether Bonnie Parker's Colt DS with the ser# filed off would be issued a new ATF ser# so it could be legally auctioned off to save the historical piece.
They agreed to do so.
A 'No' decision would have simply sent it to the crusher.
Or maybe it would have ended up in the private collection of a Gov't Agency,,they seem to be able to keep & possess such things and keep us safe from them.
Exempt from ser#'g were Shotguns, and RF longguns.
The GCA68 added the 2 exempt catagorys to the 'must be ser#'d' list in 12/1968.
So as of that date, all catagorys of firearms were supposed to be ser#'d by their manufacturer in the USA.
Imports as well required.
The Fed Law that made it a Felony to Remove, Alter or Obliterate a Manufacturers applied ser# on a firearm was passed in the Federal Firearms Act of 1938.
It's been in effect ever since either in that law or the GCA68 that took it's place.
It also covers the possession of a firearm w/ser# so altered/removed/etc.
Yes there are instances when the ATF and the US Revenue Dept (it's predecessor) will/would restamp an obliterated/removed ser#. Or re-issue a new ser# usually in the case of a recovered-stolen firearm.
But it's not an everyday occurance and you can't count on it happening when presenting one to them.
It even took a big deal meeting of the minds and several weeks of hand wringing some yrs back by the Agency to decide wether Bonnie Parker's Colt DS with the ser# filed off would be issued a new ATF ser# so it could be legally auctioned off to save the historical piece.
They agreed to do so.
A 'No' decision would have simply sent it to the crusher.
Or maybe it would have ended up in the private collection of a Gov't Agency,,they seem to be able to keep & possess such things and keep us safe from them.
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If you end up in the turn-it-in mode, strip it down completely and give them nothing but the bare frame, even minus the barrel.
SGT ROCK 11B
Member
Yes its a 1917.
It could be a gangster gun after the war. Soldier kept it and the Serial Number was removed either before or after after criminal activity.
How long has it been in your possession or your family's possession?
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SGT ROCK 11B
Member
I have known several firearms get ATF Serial Numbers.
SGT ROCK 11B
Member
Hopefully the seller is not heading to the border.
Local pawn shop has a decent 1903 Colt from which someone had removed the serial number. Shop owner appealed to ATF, rhey had the pistol destroyed. This is the only case I know of personally. Your experience may differ.
Robert
Robert
kwill1911
Member
AFAIK, it has been many years since the ATF would allow a SN to be assigned or restamped. This letter is now 22 years old and is unambiguous. Does anyone think they have gotten more forgiving in the last 20 years?
From the provisions stated in this letter and if one were to "go by the book" it would appear any firearm with an obscure or defaced sn is subject to surrender and destruction. In other words, No matter how tempting or attractive or historical significance it just ain't worth it. I Don't think todays ATF under the current regime is very forgiving.
Wherever OP got this S&W 1917 from, Do your best to just Return it.
Wherever OP got this S&W 1917 from, Do your best to just Return it.
