Model 1917 Serial # Mystery

[Rainier42]

Greetings all, am new to the S&W site.

I have a Model 1917 that was handed down to me through my family. The pistol is in very nice shape and have been considering selling it. However, I have a concern about the serial #. There are matching serial #s on the barrel, the cylinder, and the Star Extractor. I am not finding a serial number on the frame/butt of the gun at all. Would there be a reason why the # would be missing and, is there anywhere else on the frame I might look?

Thanks,
John

 

[Wiregrassguy]

The correct serial number should be stamped on the butt along with US Army. If it's not there it's been removed. Take the grips off and look to see if someone has stamped it on the side of the grip frame. It needs to be on the frame or the gun is not legal. You should also find it stamped inside the right grip panel.

Guy

 

[Alk8944]

The only reason the serial number isn't on the butt of the frame is that it has been removed by someone. There are only two common reasons this is done, the gun was used in a crime or it was stolen.

Possession of a firearm with an altered or obliterated serial number is a federal felony, not a good thing. The BATFE may allow re-establishing the original SN on the butt since it should be supported by the Numbers on the cylinder, extractor, barrel and yoke, coupled with the assembly number on the yoke, frame and sideplate matching. There is only one way to know, and that is contact the BATFE and ask what can be done. They could sieze the gun too! If you make the first contact it is extremely unlikely you would be charged with the possession, but much more likely if you are caught with it and had not made an attempt to correct the situation!

 

[StakeOut]

Greetings all, am new to the S&W site.

I have a Model 1917 that was handed down to me through my family. The pistol is in very nice shape and have been considering selling it. However, I have a concern about the serial #. There are matching serial #s on the barrel, the cylinder, and the Star Extractor. I am not finding a serial number on the frame/butt of the gun at all. Would there be a reason why the # would be missing and, is there anywhere else on the frame I might look?
Thanks,
John

Does your gun's butt look like this?

 

[Rainier42]

Does your gun's butt look like this?

Yes. If I shine a light on it, I can just make out the 1917 at the top portion and can see the 0 in the lower portion. No other letters/#s are visible.

 

[Rainier42]

With the above marking, where would the serial # be on the frame?

 

[Wiregrassguy]

The serial number is stamped under the lanyard ring on the above gun.

Guy

 

[Rainier42]

Mine is missing. I sent off an email to BATF.

 

[AlHunt]

Mine is missing. I sent off an email to BATF.

Well, this should be instructive. I hope you'll keep this thread updated.

 

[steelslaver]

Yes, please keep us updated on how this goes for you.

I do have to admire your willingness to get right to the heart of the matter.

 

[deyomatic]

There is one other reason for that to have been removed- I suppose it may go along with the "stolen" angle, but a lot of people were afraid that they'd get in trouble with a gun that said US PROPERTY or US ARMY on it, so they filed it off. It's unfortunate.

Does it say "United States Property" on the bottom of the barrel?

 

[Hondo44]

With the above marking, where would the serial # be on the frame?

If the only frame # on the butt is missing except for the one zero, but has been re-stamped to keep the gun legal, it's usually under the stock panel on the left side of the grip frame near the front toe.