My S&W 1917, 56k deadly!

[TooTech]

What can you tell me about my S&W 1917?

Grips don't look original, finish I think is original. There is a "flaming bomb" on the upper edge of the left side that doesn't show in the pictures.

One mystery is that the numbers on the cylinder and butt match, but the number on the underside of the barrel is off but only on the thousands digit! So the butt and cylinder are stamped 83026, and the barrel is 85026. The barrel looks original to the gun, but I can't explain the discrepancy.

Thanks in advance!

 

[TooTech]

What can you tell me about my S&W 1917?

Grips don't look original, finish I think is original. There is a "flaming bomb" on the upper edge of the left side that doesn't show in the pictures.

One mystery is that the numbers on the cylinder and butt match, but the number on the underside of the barrel is off but only on the thousands digit! So the butt and cylinder are stamped 83026, and the barrel is 85026. The barrel looks original to the gun, but I can't explain the discrepancy.

Thanks in advance!

 

[TooTech]

Just a bit more information. I bought the gun to use as a "field" gun a few years ago. It shoots real well so it performs this role great! I only have about $275 wrapped up in it, so don't be afraid to be honest in your assessment - my feelings won't get hurt.

 

[artu44]

If there are no signs of barrel replacement or of refinishing, the only chance is an error in interpretating barrel numbers or a mistake of the worker. However the pre war magna grips are out of place on a issued 1917 and they could mean factory refurbished gun. Check for pencil numbers inside the panel.
A suggestion: sell asap those grips and you will recover a big bit of your 275$.

 

[ldp4570]

Grips don't look to be original, and as to the barrel, it could be missed marked, or its been replaced. You may want to letter it to see, and ensure you mention the differences in ser# when you submit your request.

 

[digi-shots]

My guess is that during production/assembly, the wrong barrel was mis-read and placed on the gun.

Looks like a 1918-1919 based on the little eagle head stamp (Springfield Armory) on the cylinder. Do you see any inspector's initials?

And...sometime during the past 80 or 90 years, someone swapped the grips.

Nice find!

 

[TooTech]

In addition to the markings already mentioned:

Barrel , left side: "S.& W. D.A. 45"

Barrel, top, 1st line: "Smith & Wesson Springfield Mass. U.S.A

Barrel, top, 2nd line: "Patented Dec 17, 1901. Feb. 6. 1906. Sep. 14 1909"

Barrel, left side: "Smith & Wesson"

There are a few other marks, S1 behind the trigger guard on the left, S2 in the crane recess on the frame, S4 on the cylinder face. Crane is numbered 49315, as is the cylinder recess in the frame.

Inside of right grip is stamped 61465. No stamp on the left grip.

No sign of an inspector's stamp. Where should I look?