1917 serial #

[ljbobdan]

am looking at a 1917 model on an online auction. I am trying to understand the serial # procedure for this gun. It seems the military put a # on the butt, I don't know where the number also appears on the gun. Also, did S&W have any serial numbers on the military versions? THe # on the butt is 920xx. Any ideas or suggestions where to go for info? I have read the article in The standard catalog of Smith & Wesson. Thanks for any and all help. Ron

 

[DCWilson]

The number on the butt IS the serial number for the gun. You should also see that number on the flat underside of the barrel and the rear surface of the cylinder, as well as a couple of other places that are harder to see. Any number you see on the frame and facing yoke surface when you swing the cylinder open can be ignored; those are process control numbers that mean nothing after the gun leaves the factory.

A 1917 with a serial number in the 92000s range probably shipped in summer or fall of 1918.

Search the forum archives for threads that focus on the Model of 1917. There is a lot of information scattered in the posts over the last few years.

 

[Hondo44]

As David said, the number on the butt is the serial number. It is also the US Govt ID number. Smith used the same number for both as opposed to Colt which put the serial number in the crane (yoke on S&W guns) and the Military ID number (a different #) on the butt.

All the numbers were stamped by Colt and S&W. The military did not stamp any of the numbers on the guns.

 

[ljbobdan]

thanks for your helpful comments guys. Ron