S&W 1917 Question

[John Deere]

Guys,

I have a question concerning serial number location on the U.S. Army 1917s made by S&W.

Is the number located inside the crane the serial number or some other number? I ask because I've heard that S&Ws were marked in various places, but I've not seen any examples with the same number inside the cranes that appears on the butt, for example. Yep, I'm still learnin' about these fine revolvers!

JD

 

[John Deere]

Guys,

I have a question concerning serial number location on the U.S. Army 1917s made by S&W.

Is the number located inside the crane the serial number or some other number? I ask because I've heard that S&Ws were marked in various places, but I've not seen any examples with the same number inside the cranes that appears on the butt, for example. Yep, I'm still learnin' about these fine revolvers!

JD

 

[Chef]

The one I just aquired has the SN on the Butt, the cylinder, The barrel flat and the back of the star extractor. Regards, Chef

 

[John Deere]

Thanks, Chef.

I wish I can recall where I read what that number inside the crane is called (as apparently it's not the serial number)....

JD

 

[Bell Charter Oak Holsters]

Originally posted by John Deere:
Thanks, Chef.

I wish I can recall where I read what that number inside the crane is called (as apparently it's not the serial number)....

JD

The numbers on the crane are assembly numbers. The serial numbers are on the butt, barrel flat and cylinder.

 

[cgt4570]

The serial is also usually on the inside edge of the crane, and can be seen through one of the charge holes or by pulling the cylinder off.

It's stamped on the back side of the sideplate, too.

Chris

 

[John Deere]

Thanks ever so much, guys! I'm impressed by the way folks around here respond so quickly. The info will help me determine the "legit-ness" of a few S&W 1917s I'll be looking at. I'll keep you guys posted. Thanks again!

JD

 

[John Deere]

Mine came in and looks nice--all matching numbers just the way they should be and no rebuild numbers or marks. After the holidays (when I have time for digital pictures and remember how to post pics) I'll put some up here in the proper thread. I got lucky and found a nice one--a sweet original revolver!

JD

 

[The Wizard]

There are actually two (2) serial numbers on the S&W M1917. The one on the butt is the military serial number. They started at 1 and went to somewhere around 150,000. The number on the frame hidden by the crane is S&W's serial number in the N frame sequence.

Colt's M1917 were serial nummbered so the that Colt's serial number agreed with the military's serial number.

 

[John Deere]

Thanks, Wizard. Yep, mine has the correct S&W N-frame sequence numbers, too.

JD