1917 military over-run or Civlian ?

[umwminer]

This one has eagle head/s codes only

S2 , S24 , S34 .
No "US PROPERTY" or "US Army Model of 1917 ".
No GHS or Flaming Bomb.
Small logo on left side of frame .
SN 172860

 

[Muley Gil]

Looks like a post WW I, pre mid 1922 1917. The stamping "MADE IN USA" appeared on the right side of the frame in mid 1922.

 

[policerevolvercollector]

So where does serial number 177843 fall into this chronology? It has no military proofs or army markings. Is it a true "Commercial"?

 

[Hondo44]

That's a commercial model. I'm surprised it doesn't have a lanyard swivel. However, the butt strap has had some work on it, it's not flat any longer except where the serial # is.

I'll bet the lanyard swivel hole has been filled. A quick check under the stocks would confirm if the retaining cross pin hole is there and or if some filler welding is evident.

 

[umwminer]

The lanyard hole has been fllled in

The cross pin is in place under the stocks

 

[Muley Gil]

So where does serial number 177843 fall into this chronology? It has no military proofs or army markings. Is it a true "Commercial"?

Yes, it is a commercial model that was built after mid 1922. It has the small S&W stamp on the left side. And it has the "MADE IN USA" on the right side, which appeared after mid 1922.

 

[1-1917]

Sal, good questions.

I tend to follow the concept of original intent: the 1917 was designed as a military model and every specimen should be considered military unless it meets the narrowest definition of a commercial variety. For me, that means there should be no military markings of any sort, and there should be a S&W logo on the left side of the frame (or on the sideplate for the very few units made after the late 1930s). Lanyard loops may or may not be present.

If the 1917 collecting community sees fit to draw additional distinctions, I am more than willing to learn from and be guided by them.

At least the cylinder of mine (#173967) has a Springfield inspector stamp on it. The proof to me is in the letter from S&W. It was sent to Zion's Merchantile, not the Army. Has all the normal commercial items but still has some military marking too.