S&W model 1917 revolver in .45 acp

[ncblksmth1]

I wonder if anyone can give me a BOD for 181707. Just picked it up. Small S&W on left side. S34 under eagle on bottom barrel flat.

Any info would be very nice.

Bob.

[gwp]

From the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson 3rd:

Late issue from April 1918 to the end of military war time production are found with the eagle's head and an "S" number. The U.S. Army serial range is approximately 1 - 169959.

The book also states "The S&W trademark was not stamped on military frames but is observed on commercial variations. Serial number range 1 - 209791 produced c. 1917 - 1946."

So it is probably a commercial variation with military parts.

[Johnny P]

If there is no serial number on the barrel your revolver may have been rebarreled with a spare military barrel.

[Tuna]

The serial number also falls in the contract S&W had with Brazil from 1937. Many parts including frames from the WW1 contract were left over and used in 1937 for Brazil.

[gwp]

The serial number also falls in the contract S&W had with Brazil from 1937. Many parts including frames from the WW1 contract were left over and used in 1937 for Brazil.

The Brazilian contract 1917 revolvers usually have the Brazilian crest on the side plate.

[Tuna]

That is right they have the crest but some of them have been worked over and the stamp removed. Sometimes nicely done and others well not so nicely done. Some have had the side plate replaced too. Dealers try to sell them as commercial models and get higher dollars for them.

[ncblksmth1]

Let me say first thanks for the replies. Johnny there is the serial number on the flat of the barrel. The gun matches. It is in the commercial bright blue with the small S&W crest. On the barrel flat is a B in a square, the serial number and the eagle over S34.
It has the lanyard loop. The gun looks to be in 85+ condition. There is no Argentine crest and no evidence of it having been removed and replaced. The hammer has a patent pending on the rear curve.

[Tuna]

It has the lanyard loop. That should be one of the first things to indicate a contract gun. S&W did not use the loop on their commercial firearms. But if I remember right S&W did sell some contract over run guns as commercial ones post WW1. These would have all the military stamps and be a commercial blue. These may or may not have a lanyard loop. This maybe what you have.