The Remington Model 1917 is a piece of history, a significant player in World War I. Owning one is owning a tangible link to a pivotal moment in time. But understanding its history requires more than just admiring its craftsmanship; it requires understanding its serial number. This guide will walk you through the process of researching your Remington 1917's serial number and uncovering its fascinating story.
Why is a Serial Number Lookup Important?
The serial number on your Remington 1917 is more than just an identifying mark; it's a key to unlocking its past. By tracing its serial number, you can potentially discover:
- Manufacturing Date: Pinpointing when your rifle was manufactured helps place it within the context of WWI production.
- Manufacturer: While most Remington 1917s were made by Remington Arms, some were produced by Eddystone. The serial number can confirm the exact manufacturer.
- Production Run: Understanding which batch your rifle belonged to can shed light on variations in manufacturing processes or materials used.
- Wartime Service History (Potentially): Although complete records for every single rifle are unlikely to exist, dedicated researchers may have access to archives that could potentially offer insights into your rifle's wartime deployment.
How to Locate Your Remington 1917 Serial Number
The serial number is typically found stamped on several parts of the rifle:
- Receiver: This is the most common location. Look for it on the receiver's side or top.
- Barrel: The barrel may also have a serial number stamped on it.
- Bolt: Sometimes, the bolt will carry a matching or partially matching serial number.
Remember to handle your firearm safely and always follow proper gun safety procedures when examining it.
Where to Find Remington 1917 Serial Number Information
Unfortunately, there isn't a single, centralized database that contains information on every Remington 1917 serial number. However, several resources can aid your research:
- Online Forums and Communities: Engaging with online forums dedicated to firearms collecting and military history is a great starting point. Experienced collectors can often offer valuable advice and insights based on their own research.
- Books and Publications: Numerous books have been written on the Remington 1917 and other WWI-era rifles. These publications might contain serial number ranges associated with specific manufacturing periods or variations.
- Museums and Archives: Contacting museums or archives with collections of military firearms may yield information. They might possess records or be able to refer you to relevant experts.
- Private Researchers: Some individuals specialize in researching and documenting the history of specific firearms. Their expertise could prove invaluable in your quest.
What to Expect from Your Research
It's crucial to manage your expectations. While you might be able to determine the approximate manufacturing date and manufacturer, tracing the complete wartime history of your specific rifle is a more challenging undertaking. The level of detail you can uncover will vary depending on the availability of historical records and the extent of your research efforts.
Preserving Your Historical Artifact
Remember that your Remington 1917 is a historical artifact deserving of proper care and respect. Store it properly, handle it safely, and continue to learn about its fascinating history. Your research will not only enhance your understanding of your rifle but also contribute to preserving its legacy. The more we learn about these historical artifacts, the more we can appreciate their significance.
