M1917 marking questions

[Carbine—kid]

I have just purchased a M1917 and have a few questions about the markings. It is marked with the usual US Army model M1917 on the butt S#1680XX. The barrel has a matching serial number as well as the cylinder. My question is, I do not have the flaming bomb on the left-hand side of the frame up in the corner near the hammer. I’ve seen multiple pictures with it marked there. Mine has a stamp of a flaming bomb on the right hand side on the lower part of the frame towards the front of the hammer. Is this normal for that serial number range? The pattern of my flaming bomb does not look like the same that I’ve seen in the photos that are on the left-hand side up near the hammer.
Thanks in advance

 

[sodacan]

You're in trouble. It didn't pass inspection. It should not be fired. Return it to the armory immediately.

 

[Muley Gil]

Welcome to the Forum.

Someone in the past did a heavy-duty buff job on that one. If the bore is still in good condition, it could still be a fine shooter.

 

[JH1951]

I have seen a fair share of 1917's but have not seen the ordnance bomb in that position. There are folks here that know much more than I do, so we will likely learn something together.

 

[dmurray]

Kicks like a mule.

 

[Muley Gil]

Kicks like a mule.

I have owned and shot a number of 1917s and other .45 ACP revolvers. I've also owned several mules.

Iffn' you think a 1917 "kicks like a mule", better stay away from .41 and .44 Magnums and lightweight .357s.

 

[Carbine—kid]

The barrel is in good shape. All of these pics are from the PO. I haven’t had it in my possession for more than 48 hrs yet. I figured I’d ask the experts here about the markings. In the research I’ve done online I hadn’t come across the proof mark on that side as well as the design of the proof mark. I was just curious if that was the way it was towards the end of the production. I believe the holster that I received with it is correct but I’m sure it could be a repro. This is my first revolver so I’m just trying to learn a little about it.
Thanks

 

[sfal7418]

the holster is the early right side butt forward design....worn that way so you could draw your saber with your right hand from your left side...
is there a makers mark on the back at the top..and a lanyard stud on the bottom...heres 2 pics of mine
nice rig
thanks for posting
al

 

[cololab]

Both of my M1917 holsters are like the ones sfal7418 posted. Although the brass rivets on OP's holster look pretty good, if the holster doesn't have maker's stamps or the brass lanyard ring, or evidence of them having once been there, I'm leaning toward it being a repo.

Was this revolver once parkerized and the existing remnants of that refinishing is what we're seeing? Is there any evidence that the bomb proof on the left side of the frame being has been removed in some manner. The later style flaming bomb you noted on the right side trigger guard area resembles a WW2 style bomb and may have been placed there during the reworking process.

 

[Carbine—kid]

You can make out the letter G & over 19 and there is a hole on the bottom but the lanyard is missing. I’m no expert on finish but I have a few WW2 firearms and it doesn’t appear to have been parkerized I tried to take a few photos in the light. When you shine a flashlight on it I believe you can see what’s left of the original bluing.

 

[Carbine—kid]

More pictures

 

[alwslate]

Does not appear to be heavily buffed and refinished to me. Just old original finish with the original blue turned to grey. If in good mechanical condition shood be a good shooter.