Model 1917 serial number question

[bigjack59]

Sorry if this horse is dead, but here I go:

I just got a great 1917 pistol, serial number is on butt, face of cylinder and under barrel. It says US Army Model 1917 and then 326xx on the butt. That number also appears on the cylinder and the underside of barrel. In the yoke and overstamped under the barrel is S167xx. I understand that the number on the butt is the number to date this weapon by, not the S167xx number. Am I correct?

The pistol has a really good nickel job (wish it was factory!) and is mechanically excellent, although the grips are modern. What the heck is the S167xx number? Is this an internal S&W production numebr with the 326xx number being the "serial" number? Any help would be appreciated, I have fallen in love with this pistol!

 

[bigjack59]

Sorry if this horse is dead, but here I go:

I just got a great 1917 pistol, serial number is on butt, face of cylinder and under barrel. It says US Army Model 1917 and then 326xx on the butt. That number also appears on the cylinder and the underside of barrel. In the yoke and overstamped under the barrel is S167xx. I understand that the number on the butt is the number to date this weapon by, not the S167xx number. Am I correct?

The pistol has a really good nickel job (wish it was factory!) and is mechanically excellent, although the grips are modern. What the heck is the S167xx number? Is this an internal S&W production numebr with the 326xx number being the "serial" number? Any help would be appreciated, I have fallen in love with this pistol!

 

[10-12]

I believe that is referred to as an assembly number. You are correct. It is not the serial number. Some of our other forum members will surely chine in with additional info.

Sounds like a fine gun you have there.

Bill

 

[depicts]

I think we need pictures!!!

 

[handejector]

I understand that the number on the butt is the number to date this weapon by, not the S167xx number. Am I correct?

YES.

 

[bigjack59]

How do I post the pix? My wife shot some amazing pix of the serial numbers and proof marks. The plate job is well done, the internals appear to be in nearly new condition. Man, am I pleased with this gun!

 

[bigjack59]

Maybe I figured it out, here goes nothing...

 

[Beans]

The year of manufacture for serial number 38680 is 1918.

website is

http://armscollectors.com/sn/usmilookup.php

 

[Retired72]

1917 nickeled

I, too, have a nickeled Model 1917 United States Property marked. I emailed S&W with the serial number, 82,712, and they said 1929 or1930. Military Firearms serial lists it at 1918.
I'm confused! Also, the nickel appears to be factory by the crisp lettering and condition of the nickel. I don't have the means of including pictures, but mine has smooth walnut stocks.
Retired72

 

[Jack Flash]

"The year of manufacture for serial number 82712 is 1918.
July"

That's what I get from
U.S. Military Dates of Manufacture

The above site seems to be pretty reliable.

Maybe there was some kind of typo or other mix up with the e-mail to/from S&W(?)