Thread: 1917 Colt
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Old 07-07-2018, 11:35 PM
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LoboGunLeather LoboGunLeather is offline
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The Colt Model 1917 US Army revolver is basically a no-frills version of the Colt New Service, chambered for .45 ACP using half-moon clips, as an expedient design for World War I issue. After WW1 a few more were produced using parts on hand and sold commercially.

Basic finish on the military versions was a dull unpolished blued finish. All had the standard 5.5" barrel, smooth walnut stocks, and lanyard ring. On the butt of the grip frame should be a stamping identifying the revolver as the US Army Model 1917 with a serial number. Interestingly, the military serial number is not the Colt factory serial number, which is stamped inside the frame recess under the cylinder crane and is within the serial number range for the New Service revolvers.

"New Colt hard rubber grips" indicates to me that these grips are not original to the revolver. A lot of reproduction grips are out there, but anything other than the originals pretty much knocks $100 or so off of fair market value.

Lanyard rings were removed from many, many 1917's that entered the civilian market. That is unfortunate, from a historical standpoint, and lack of a proper lanyard ring knocks a good $75 to $100 off of fair market value.

Overall, shooter-grade Colt 1917 US Army revolvers are seen with prices from about $400 to about $600 or so (high-grade pieces will command much higher prices, of course).

"Original (looking) holster" could be interesting, but only if it is in fact the original WW1 issue type, or later WW2 production (lots of reproductions exist). Anything else is just another chew toy for the dogs. On the rear of the holster should be stampings, most likely including "RIA" (Rock Island Arsenal) with date (1917 or 1918), or perhaps WW2 re-issue markings by Warren, Sears, Tex-Tan, perhaps a couple of others, with dates of 1942 or 1943. Original WW1 or WW2 holsters in very good to excellent condition may bring $100 to $250, depending on variation, condition, and maker.

So, you are looking at a potentially interesting piece, but there are some warning signs to pay attention to before you "pull the trigger" on your checkbook.

Last edited by LoboGunLeather; 07-07-2018 at 11:38 PM.
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