Model 1917 commercial? Model 1950? What is it??

[hoojy]

I have a beautiful (95%) "S&W D.A.45" that doesnt' seem to exactly fit any of the models I've looked up. It has "S&W D.A.45" on the left side of the barrel, address and patent dates in two lines on top of the barrel, a large S&W logo on the right side, "MADE IN USA" on the right side above the trigger guard, square notch rear sight cut into the frame, 5 1/2" barrel, and serial number 210xxx. No Brazilian crest. No lanyard ring or hole. At first I thought it was a Model 1950, because of the large S&W logo on the right side, but Fjestad says that model has the "S&W D.A.45" on the RIGHT side of the barrel, and the 4 line address on the right side plate.
Does anyone know what this wonderful old revolver is?

thanks,

hoojy

 

[beagleye]

Pre model 22?

Or maybe it's just in your imagination, we can't tell without pictures

Does it have an ejector shroud?

 

[hoojy]

I'm a newbie here. I'm just figuring out how to post photos (or add photos to an existing post). Let's see if this works.

Fjestad has the 'pre 22' as the same as the Model of 1950, which is described as having different markings.

 

[hoojy]

I can't see the photo. What did I do wrong?

trying to post a photo. I added the URL after clicking on the 'insert image' icon. why didn't it load?

And the ejector isn't shrouded; its tip just clicks into a little lug under the barrel.

 

[DBWesson]

Hoojy:
It sounds like a post war clean up .45 A.C.P. 1917.
One of 900 + guns made 1946 from left over pre-war parts.
DB

 

[DCWilson]

There are a couple of ways to post images:

Upload your photos to an image server like Photobucket, then put the link to the photobucket image in your post surrounded by

tags.

The alternative is to use the "Manage attachments" button on the page where you compose a post. Select the photo from its position on your hard drive, mark it for upload, and it will come along as an attachment when you submit your post.

In the absence of photos, it sounds like DBWesson has identified your gun. Some of those had an S prefix to the serial number, and some didn't.

 

[hoojy]

trying again to upload a photo


let's try it this way, a direct upload.

 

[Texas Star]

1917. Look at the hammer. The Model 22 or 1950 has a different hammer and the shorter action. And I doubt they have the address on top of the barrel.

This does have what look like early postwar Magna grips. May well be what DBWesson said was a "cleanup" of 1917 parts about 1946. A very worthwhile gun!

Looks to be in good shape, too. Just avoid Plus P loads. The cylinder probably isn't strong enough for those on a repeat basis.

 

[beagleye]

That's a sweety.

 

[Muley Gil]

That's a fine looking 1917 there, hoojy.

 

[DBWesson]

hoojy:
Now you need one with a lanyard ring.
DB

 

[DBWesson]

hoojy:
Now you need one with a lanyard ring.
DB

 

[hoojy]

so what does the OTHER end of the lanyard attach to?

So your 'get one with a lanyard ring' comment raises the question: the lanyards that attached to the ring - what were they attached to at the other end? the holster? the wearer's belt? My 1916 Webley .455 has the ring and I've always wondered how to use this early retention device.

 

[hoojy]

And thank you DBWesson!

I just wanted to know how to properly describe it, and it seemed to fall between the cracks!

 

[Sebago Son]

It's an early post war long action 1917 commercial. Very nice. Pre 1950 Army. My 1950 Army Model .45 has a serrated ramp front sight. I think that this feature is indicative of the "Pre-22" designation.

 

[Texas Star]

hoojy-
If you look at WW II photos or at images of the RCMP, etc., you will see that the other end of some lanyards attached around the user's neck. In other cases, it might go under a shoulder epaulet.

The latter arrangement prevents an enemy using the lanyard to strangle the wearer.

Most lanyards are olive green, maybe gray for RAF issue, to match their webbing holsters.

RCMP dress lanyards and those for many military police forces in dress uniform are white.