The Colt Model 1917, is a variation of the New Service, made for the M1911 pistol cartridge. They were made from about April 1917 to about December 1918, to the tune of some 151,000 pieces. All those guns have two serial numbers - the Colt New Service number on and underneath the crane, and the Army serial number on the butt. The New Service serial will run from about 150000 to about 301700. The Army serial will run from 1 to 151700.
Note that there are discrepancies in the numbering, plus some guns assembled in the 1930's with the old serial numbers.
The S&W "partner" for the .45 ACP Colt Model 1917 is the .45 ACP S&W Model 1917; both were originally made in the WWI time frame, though many served through WWII. The S&W .38 often called the "Victory Model" is of WWII vintage. It is a standard Military & Police Model originally in .38 Special, though the guns made for the Allies were made in .38 S&W, while guns for the U.S. were made in .38 Special. Serial numbers ran from about 700000 at the first contracts (guns prior to that had been mostly sold to the police and civilian market) to 999999, then went from V1 to about V769000. Technically, only the guns with "V" numbers are considered "Victory Models".
Jim
Edited to add: The Colt and S&W Models of 1917 can handle any reasonable .45 ACP load; some consider the Colt to be stronger, but both are more than strong enough to normal use. The S&W M&P is plenty strong enough for standard .38 Special or .38 S&W loads. But modern "hot" .38 Special should not be used in guns older than about 1960.
Jim