When evaluating the Colt 1917s I look for the telltale machine marks on either side of the front sight and "curved" machine marks on the sides of the frame behind the cylinder. On an original finish gun these machine marks are fairly prominent but usually disappear in a refinish. Sometimes, on a really nice specimen, the marks are so clear that one might think "Colt would never have let a gun leave the factory like this" but in fact they were rushing them out the door for WWI and polishing wasn't a priority. Good luck.

Jeff
SWCa #1457