Introduction
The echoes of the First World War still resonate, particularly in the realm of firearms. Amongst the iconic weapons that served, the Smith & Wesson Model nineteen seventeen stands out. A testament to American ingenuity and wartime necessity, this revolver holds a special place in the hearts of collectors, historians, and firearm enthusiasts alike. If you own or are considering acquiring one of these historical treasures, understanding the secrets held within its steel is paramount. This guide dives deep into the world of Smith & Wesson nineteen seventeen serial number lookup, providing you with the knowledge to uncover its history, assess its value, and appreciate its enduring legacy.
The Birth of a Legend
The Smith & Wesson nineteen seventeen is more than just a firearm; it’s a window into a pivotal period in history. Born out of the United States’ entry into World War One, this revolver was a solution to a critical shortage. The US military desperately needed a powerful sidearm that could fire the .45 ACP round. Existing Colt .45 automatics were in limited supply, and the demand was urgent. Smith & Wesson stepped in to fill this gap, working with the Colt’s Manufacturing Company to produce a reliable and readily available revolver. The result was a marriage of ingenuity: a robust, proven design from Smith & Wesson adapted to chamber a cartridge originally designed for a semi-automatic pistol.
Design and Features
The Model nineteen seventeen’s design was brilliant in its simplicity. It featured a robust “N-frame” that could withstand the powerful .45 ACP cartridge. The innovation lay in the use of half-moon clips, which allowed the rimless .45 ACP rounds to be easily loaded and extracted from the cylinder. This solved the extraction issue and made the revolver practical for military use. The revolver was quickly adopted by the US military and saw extensive service on the battlefields of Europe.
The key features that defined the Smith & Wesson nineteen seventeen include its substantial size, a standard barrel length, and a capacity for six .45 ACP cartridges. The revolver’s overall construction, including its blued steel finish and wooden grips, reflects the craftsmanship of the era. These design elements contribute to its aesthetic appeal and make it a highly sought-after piece by collectors who appreciate the beauty of finely made firearms. The collaboration between Smith & Wesson and Colt in producing these revolvers further cemented the place of this firearm in the history of American gunmaking.
The Power of the Serial Number
Understanding and performing a Smith & Wesson nineteen seventeen serial number lookup is crucial. This isn’t just an academic exercise; it’s an essential step in becoming a responsible owner or knowledgeable collector. The serial number unlocks a wealth of information about your firearm’s past, enabling you to fully appreciate its significance. Serial numbers act as a historical fingerprint, allowing you to trace the weapon’s manufacturing timeline, and identify its original configuration.
Why Lookup Matters
Why is a serial number lookup so valuable? Firstly, it helps determine authenticity. In the world of collectible firearms, ensuring that a piece is original and untampered with is paramount. A proper Smith & Wesson nineteen seventeen serial number lookup can help confirm that the revolver is, indeed, a genuine example from the period and not a later reproduction or a modified firearm. Secondly, the serial number allows for a better assessment of the gun’s value. Knowing the manufacturing date, and sometimes the production run, can provide crucial context for the firearm’s market value. A rare variation or a gun manufactured during a particular year can command a significantly higher price than a more common model. Lastly, this process helps to understand its complete historical context. This is particularly useful for historians studying weapons used during the First World War, as it offers additional insight into the firearm’s life.
Finding the Serial Number
Locating the serial number on a Smith & Wesson nineteen seventeen is typically straightforward, but it’s essential to know where to look. The most common locations are the bottom of the grip frame, sometimes hidden beneath the grips, and under the barrel. Sometimes, you will also find the serial number stamped on the cylinder, the frame beneath the yoke, or the crane. Ensure you carefully remove the grips if required to examine these areas without damaging the wood or any internal components.
Other Markings
Besides the serial number, various other markings can provide valuable clues about the firearm’s history. Look for markings that indicate who inspected the firearm, the date it was made, and potentially its destination. The acceptance stamps from the U.S. military are common, often found on the frame or barrel. These marks authenticate its military service. These markings can help determine its history and authenticity.
Utilizing Resources
To perform a comprehensive Smith & Wesson nineteen seventeen serial number lookup, you’ll need access to reliable resources. Luckily, there are several options available to help you on your quest. A good starting point is consulting online serial number databases and websites dedicated to Smith & Wesson firearms. Many forums and specialist websites host extensive databases that allow you to cross-reference your serial number with known production records. These databases often provide information like the year of manufacture, estimated production quantities, and other important facts related to the specific firearm.
The Historical Letter Service
Furthermore, the Smith & Wesson historical letter service is a valuable resource. For a fee, you can request a letter from Smith & Wesson’s historical archive. This letter contains official factory information about your firearm, including the date it was shipped, the original configuration of the gun, and often the original retailer. This official documentation can significantly enhance the value of your collectible. Be aware, the process does take time and requires you to provide the full serial number to the service.
Exploring Alternative Avenues
Besides dedicated websites and the Smith & Wesson historical letter service, explore other potential avenues. The internet is rich with gun collector forums and specialized websites where enthusiasts share their expertise and knowledge. They are often a good place to share the serial number and ask for assistance. Books and guides dedicated to Smith & Wesson revolvers can also contain production information and serial number ranges.
Understanding Your Findings
Once you have successfully located and looked up the serial number on your Smith & Wesson nineteen seventeen, the next step is interpreting the results. The information you obtain will vary depending on the resource you used. You might get a specific manufacturing date or a broad production range. Often, these lookups will confirm the model’s place in the manufacturing timeline. The more detailed records can provide details such as the original finish, barrel length, and the details of the grip.
Limitations
However, it’s important to acknowledge that the results may have limitations. While databases are continuously updated, records for older firearms may be incomplete or inconsistent. This means that you might not always find a perfect match or comprehensive information for your particular serial number. Still, even partial information can provide important context.
Key Information to Note
When reading the results of your Smith & Wesson nineteen seventeen serial number lookup, pay close attention to several key details. The date of manufacture is, of course, crucial. It tells you when the firearm was produced and places it in its historical context. The original configuration reveals how the firearm was initially manufactured and shipped from the factory. This is very valuable for authenticity. Production numbers also provide valuable insight. The numbers indicate how many revolvers were made and can influence collectibility.
Value and Collectibility
The value and collectibility of a Smith & Wesson nineteen seventeen depend on many factors, ranging from the condition of the firearm to its originality and the rarity of the specific model. The condition of the firearm is critical. A revolver in pristine, near-mint condition will naturally command a higher price than a well-worn example. Careful inspection is therefore vital. Focus on the overall condition of the finish, the quality of the bore (the inside of the barrel), and the mechanical functionality.
Importance of Originality
Moreover, it’s very important that the firearm retains its original components. Smith & Wesson nineteen seventeens with all-original parts are highly sought after by collectors. This includes the finish, the grips, and all internal components. Any modifications or non-original parts can significantly decrease the gun’s value.
Rarity and Its Influence
Also, rarity plays a significant role in determining the firearm’s collectibility. Certain production runs, variations, and markings are rarer than others. The fewer guns produced in a given year, or in a given configuration, the more valuable they typically become.
The Significance of Documentation
Furthermore, documentation further enhances the value. Having a factory letter from Smith & Wesson or any other documentation confirming the gun’s history and original configuration adds a premium to the value.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Smith & Wesson nineteen seventeen remains a potent symbol of military history and craftsmanship. Properly completing the Smith & Wesson nineteen seventeen serial number lookup is an invaluable process for any owner, collector, or historian. By using the resources outlined in this guide, you can unlock the secrets of your firearm, assess its value, and deepen your appreciation for this historical weapon.
Armed with this knowledge, we encourage you to continue your journey. Examine your firearm carefully, cross-reference its serial number, and seek out the additional resources that are available. The more you discover, the greater your respect will become. Continue to educate yourself and explore the world of these fascinating historical firearms. You’ll find this an informative and valuable part of the experience. This commitment will help you more fully appreciate the enduring legacy of the Smith & Wesson Model nineteen seventeen.
