Request help in Idenifying a .45

[Jumbo]

I originally posted this on the 1917 thread but will start this one here.....

This .45 has no s/n. It is a family possession and I have little other info. Another member suggested it matches a 1917 but may have had the grips replaced. I appreciate any info on exact model, year of mfgr, etc.

 

[Mack]

Looks like a 1917 with postwar grips, the missing SN is a problem, it should be on the butt along with U.S. Army Model 1917. I cannot remember is these also had the SN on the rear of the cylinder and under the barrel but even if it does it needs to be on the frame.

 

[k22fan]

Looks like a 1917 with postwar grips, the missing SN is a problem, it should be on the butt along with U.S. Army Model 1917. I cannot remember is these also had the SN on the rear of the cylinder and under the barrel but even if it does it needs to be on the frame.

I agree with Mack.

Not only is removing a firearm's SN good for 10 years under federal law, but In my state possession of any firearm that has had its SN removed is prima-facia evidence that the possessor obliterated the SN. On the positive side possession could get you free meals and medical care. I would not allow a relative to give me one and would promptly fling the generous relative off the property.

 

[Jumbo]

Thanks, gents. I'll certainly not be taking possession of it. I did have the opportunity some time ago to examine the piece. There are no numbers on it anywhere but no sign of tampering either. However, given the age and condition I might not have recognized any alterations. Thanks again.

 

[JSR III]

Did you remove the stocks and look on the butt of the gun for markings? Close up photos of both sides and the butt minus the wood would help.

PS: There were some Model of 1917 guns built after the war that did have the checked stocks with medallions. Not sure if these were the matt finish or came with a brighter commercial type blue. Some had the S serial prefix to indicate the new safety hammer block, but it is reported by some collectors that they have been found without the S.

 

[cgt4570]

Usually the BATFE is understanding in these situations if you contact them first. (If they happen to contact you first, then it's a whole different ball game). Like others said, it also depends on the state you live in. The worst-case, if you contact them, is that they would simply confiscate it. The best-case, and the one I've read is the usual course of action for these family heirlooms that were defaced decades ago, would be for them to assign it a unique serial number that you would have a gunsmith stamp on it.
Many of these 1917s (and 1911s) found their way home after the war. The soldiers were afraid of being caught with them so they removed the serial number and U.S. Property stamps.

 

[DCWilson]

If you wanted to restore the original serial number, you probably could. In addition to the obvious duplicate numbers on the underside of the barrel and back of the cylinder, the original S/N is also located in two harder-to-reach spots -- the underside of the ejector star and the rear face of the yoke arm. Sometimes, if it is not too smudged up with powder residue, you can read the yoke S/N through a charge hole with the help of sidelight. If you can't read it, you'd have to take the yoke off the gun and clean the marked face in order to see what the number is. Even if someone ground off not only the frame markings but those on the barrel and cylinder too, they probably missed the "hidden" numbers.

 

[JSR III]

Any more details about this mystery gun???