US Army Model 1917 Markings

[bradbow55]

I have an early issue S&W US Army 1917 with the GHS inspector's stamp on the top left side of the frame by the hammer. The serial number 39XXX can be found on the butt, underside of the barrel, backside of the cylinder, and on the right grip. The crane ( or yoke) as well as the yoke cutout on the frame have a different number stamped. It looks like 2166.I believe the revolver has not been re-worked. Could someone tell what those numbers represent? Also there is an S mark under the barrel, rear cylinder face. and one the frame in the yoke cutout. Does this represent an inspector's mark?

 

[Muley Gil]

Welcome to the Forum.

The number on the butt is the serial number. That number is repeated in several places-under the barrel and on the rear of the cylinder are two locations.

The other numbers are assembley numbers to keep major componets together.

Place post pictures. We LOVE pictures!

 

[bradbow55]

Thanks for the reply. I will attempt the pictures,however the last time I tried it was a disaster. What about the S mark I described?

 

[Muley Gil]

IIRC, it is an inspector's mark.

 

[Nicksterdemus]

Here's some info I stole from one more knowledgeable than my dumb self that I predict you gonna thoroughly enjoy.

1917 SUMMARY:

Early WWI 1917s are marked "GHS" in a circle, serial number range 1-42000. Earliest have concave stocks and circular hammer grooves up to about #15,000. Stocks w/concave top and hammer grooves were deleted 1st. War time 1917s did not have S&W logos.
Middle guns are marked with a flaming bomb c. #42000 - April 1918.
Late war time guns are marked with an eagle head an "S" number followed by a number like S1,S2, S3, S4,S6,S9,S24,S27,and S34, April 1918 to war’s end or serial number 169959.
These marks are inspector marks used on Military guns. They are also marked on the underside of the barrel "United States Property”. The butt of the gun will have a two line serial number and U.S. Army Model 1917 in four lines as well as a lanyard ring.

There is also a commercial version made from 1917 to 1946 serial range 1-209791.If it has the S&W trademark on the frame it is a commercial gun.

Also in 1937 S&W made some 25,000 1917 for Brazil, serial range 181983-207043 with flat top frame and sq notch sight, these are marked with a small Made in USA with the S&W trademark, they also have a Brazilian Crest on the side plate date 1937.
Another run in 1946 used surplus WW I frames with round top strap and u notch.