Need help identifying a S&W DA 45

[jima1647]

I recently bought a s & w 1917, but it has a 6.5 barrel so I don't know if it's a fake. It has a 6.5 inch barrel top of barrel smith & wesson springfield mass usa. second line Patented dec 17 1901 Feb 6 1906 sept 14 1909. the only number on the yoke is 8904 and the S&w logo is on the right side of the gun. there is no serial number on the bottom of the gun but there is a hole like a swival was there at one time I believe it has been refinished because it's in great shape.

 

[Housepuss]

Model 1917

Wow............a firearm with no serial number. I wouldn't have gone down that road. You're just asking for trouble.

If you can, return it to the seller for a complete refund. The serial number should stamped on the butt.

 

[DCWilson]

The serial number seems to have been removed from the butt, which is not good, but the original serial number may be recovered if it is stamped on the rear face of the cylinder, the rear face of the yoke (the side parallel to the face of the cylinder), or the underside of the ejector star. It would also have appeared on the flat underside of the original barrel, so if this is a replacement barrel you might see either no number or a different one.

Leaving aside the question of whether the effaced serial number makes this an illegal handgun, it looks like it would be a fine shooter.

And welcome to the forum.

 

[TJm15.38]

I would be wary about posessing a weapon in which the serial number has been removed.

 

[Tijeras_Slim]

My recollection is rusty but the US Army markings and serial numbers on 1917’s were a bit light compared to commercial guns. It would take some doing to buff out either though. I’d check the spots mentioned above.

 

[T44spl]

Don't even bother looking for a serial number if you can, run back Don't walk and return that gun where ever you got it from and get your money back. You only bought yourself a lot of trouble.

 

[jima1647]

Thanks for the reply’s, the number on the barrel is 0125 and the number on the yoke is also on the frame. Could this be the serial number. Has anyone heard of a da 45 on the left side of the barrel and the logo and the words Trade Mark on the right side of the frame. Or could it be a different model 45.

 

[Muley Gil]

Thanks for the reply’s, the number on the barrel is 0125 and the number on the yoke is also on the frame. Could this be the serial number. Has anyone heard of a da 45 on the left side of the barrel and the logo and the words Trade Mark on the right side of the frame. Or could it be a different model 45.

The number visible on the frame when the cylinder is open is an assembly number. It should match the number on the yoke that is also visible when the cylinder is open. These are not the serial number.

Can you post a picture on the bottom of the barrel? Are you sure of the barrel length, measured from the front of the cylinder to the end of the barrel? AFAIK, the 1917s were marked DA .45 and were 5 1/2" long and the British revolvers, which had 6 1/2" barrels, were marked "Smith & Wesson .455", id they even had a caliber stamped.

 

[gmborkovic]

Mr. jima, did you buy this gun from a FFL dealer? I have seen instances
where the dealer used an assembly number for a serial number.

 

[jima1647]

Thanks for the info, I have found the serial number it is 0251 on both the bottom of the barrel and the rear face of the yoke. Now the question is it a 1917 because it has a 6.5 in barrel. what other model could it be?

 

[Wiregrassguy]

That is one unusual .45! I think Don Mundell needs to weigh in since it has a Club Gun serial. In addition to the longer barrel, it has a "half-target" front sight. The small trademark stamp on the side plate is also unusual. This may be a gun made in the Service Department and sent to a shooting club.

 

[jima1647]

Thanks for that input, it makes sense because the trigger has been modified too.

 

[Mbrgr1]

Thanks for that input, it makes sense because the trigger has been modified too.

Have you taken the trigger shoe off?

 

[jima1647]

No I have not, will that give me more info.

 

[Mbrgr1]

No I have not, will that give me more info.

Well, the trigger would not be "modified" if it is just a shoe, I personally can't stand them, but I couldn't hit the side of a barn with another barn!

 

[StrawHat]

I recently bought a s & w 1917, but it has a 6.5 barrel so I don't know if it's a fake. It has a 6.5 inch barrel top of barrel smith & wesson springfield mass usa. second line Patented dec 17 1901 Feb 6 1906 sept 14 1909. the only number on the yoke is 8904 and the S&w logo is on the right side of the gun. there is no serial number on the bottom of the gun but there is a hole like a swival was there at one time I believe it has been refinished because it's in great shape.

Wow! A lot of “stuff” in your first post! Let us answer a few questions you asked and then I have a couple for you.

I am not aware of ANY Model 1917 revolvers with other than a 5 1/2” barrel from the factory.

The patent dates will have to wait for one of our patent guys.

Those numbers you mentioned are of no concern. ATFE wants the number on the base of the grip frame. If yours is indeed a Model 1917, it will look something like this,

Well stamped and not easily removed. Lightly stamped? Not hardly! Here is what the serial number on a Model 1917 looks like.

Yes, the swivel is missing but an easy and inexpensive fix.

The trigger has a trigger shoe, common among target shooters. Easily removed.

The front sight is not what I expect on a Model 1917 or even a Model 1950.

So, my questions;

Can you post an image of the yoke recess (in the frame)?

Can you post an image of the underside of the barrel where the extractor rod would be?

A good image of the front and one of the rear sight would be helpful.

Have you tried a 45 ACP cartridge in the chamber? Does it it? How much sticks out of the cylinder?

The 45 DA mark is correct for a 5.5” barrel. I do not recall seeing it on any barrels this long.

Kevin

 

[jima1647]

attached are the pictures you requested plus a few more. I have tried a45 acp and it fits no problem. I agree the barrel length makes me question if it's a 1917. my question is if it's not a 1917, what is it? The only markings on the frame itself is the s&w logo with the words Trade Mark around the logo on the right side of the frame.

 

[Club Gun Fan]

It is a 45 HE. I sent you a PM.

 

[Wiregrassguy]

So, a rare .45 HE half-target? Talk about hen's teeth! What about the Club Gun serial?

 

[Muley Gil]

Since Don calls it a .45 HE, my guess would be that the factory took a 6 1/2" 2nd Model .44 Special blank barrel and bored and rifled it to the 1917 specs.

Neat!