Forum Newbie with a Colt serial # question

B

Brian_H

Inactive
Forum Newbie here - Been looking for some information in regards to dating a Colt 1917 D.A. 45 US Army Revolver. I searched through some previous threads, so please accept my apology if a similar thread has been posted. Pistol has landed at me 3rd generation. Just want to have all the info ready when it's time to for me to hand it off to the 4th generation. Not really concerned about value; just like to know a little bit about it.

The revolver's cylinder serial no. reads = 186xxx

The US Army no. on the handle butt reads 33xxx.
 
The Colt 1917 is a New Service revolver. It has two serial numbers. The one on the frame under the crane is the New Service serial number and should also appear on the cylinder. The one on the butt is the Army serial number, which started at 1 and went to about 151700. Apparently, the Army wanted the serial number on the butt because their pistol racks left the butt number visible. S&W considered their Model 1917 a series of its own, and their butt number is the true serial number.

Jim
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top