5-digit S&W M1917--Value?

1sg · #1 11-15-2009, 02:27 AM

Local guy is selling a S&W M1917, serial # 6XXX. No flaming bomb but marked GHS in a circle. Locks ups super tight with good bore and crisp markings however bluing lost is at least 50%. So what's it worth? I assume there's a premium for an early, probably first year production gun. Thanks...

bettis1 · #2 11-15-2009, 10:32 AM

I believe that there is a premium for the early guns when measured against a later gun of equal condition. However, when you fall into the 50% category as you describe this, the condition will trump the early date.

In addition to the GHS (Col. Gilbert H. Stewart, inspector), that gun should also have a grooved hammer and concave, non-medallion smooth grips.

The best starting place to determine the value is for you to tell us what the owner is asking for it. Then we can tell you if it is realistic or not based on your description.

Bob

jsmith · #3 11-15-2009, 10:49 AM

There is a small premium on the early guns, generally below serial #25,000. Those guns will normally have the concave smooth walnut grips and the concentric groove cut hammer.

With what you have mentioned about the gun, sight unseen for us, I would say at least $500-$1000. The Blue Book prices on these are a bit high given today's economy. Price all depends on the seller.

I have the earliest known Model 1917 posted here at the forum. My gun is serial #45 and it came complete with the original army holster and belt. And not only is mine a first year production, it was in the very first shipment to the Springfield Armory.

Please check out my thread:
.45 Hand Ejector Model 1917 U.S. Army Revolver - Serial #45; Factory Lettered

Bought it just this year for $1200. It's worth a lot more. I turned down a couple of offers to sell it in the $2000+ range.

If the price is right buy it. Low digit serial number guns don't turn up very often. And in the case of mine being a two-digit serial number, quite rare!

jsmith

1sg · #4 11-15-2009, 12:01 PM

Thanks for the comments. I went back to take another look. The grips are indeed concave. The hammer has serrations on either side. There are NO eagle inspectors or "US Property" markings anywhere other than the GHS in a circle on the left frame. Its difficult to describe condition of finish and I wasn't able to take picks. Basically most of the finish is missing except for medium size patches of bluing scattered throughout. The owner claims it's quite accurate. He's asking &600. Thoughts?

Muley Gil · #5 11-15-2009, 01:30 PM

Depending on your location, that sounds like $100-150 too high, to me.

Cali guns sell for more; economy is not good.

Lots of factors involved.

Can you post pictures?

bettis1 · #6 11-15-2009, 01:31 PM

If there is no bad pitting and I were in the market, I would take it for $600.

One question though. If there are no "US Property" markings it raises the question that it has been refinished. In years past, folks had the opinion that removing those markings made them legal to privately own. I would look very closely at it.

Bob

popgun · #7 11-15-2009, 05:18 PM

if there is no us property marks on the but or barrel it's not worth $600.00 more like $300.00

1sg · #8 11-15-2009, 05:54 PM

Sorry for not being clearer. US Property on butt though NOT on barrel or frame...

1sg · #9 11-15-2009, 07:10 PM

US propert is marked on the butt. However it is NOT marked on the frame of barrel. I estimate the grips at 7 on scale of 10. By the way, grips are serial numbered to the gun in light pencil...

bettis1 · #10 11-15-2009, 07:51 PM

If "United States Property" is not on the under side of the barrel in front of the locking lug it is very likely a replacement. On the barrel under the ejector rod the serial number should also match that on the butt.

If the barrel is replaced, it is a shooter, not a collectible gun. $600 is too high in my estimation.

Bob

Muley Gil · #11 11-15-2009, 09:51 PM

"There are NO eagle inspectors or "US Property" markings anywhere other than the GHS in a circle on the left frame."

Well, DUH! I missed the lack of US markings entirely.

Agreed on it is now a good shooter, not a true collector's piece.

rosims · #12 09-30-2013, 10:40 AM

All, I know this is a old thread, but have been searching for information on a M1917 I just aquired. New to S&W's. What I have is serial number 342. Matching seriral number on bottom of barrel, and frame. cylinder has a S and matching serial number also. On left side of frame is the GHS in circle Proof stamp, and the early circular serated hammer. The grips are the later style. My queston is, it is NOT US Prperty marked on the bottom of the barrel, so is this a post war or what? Did they start the serial numbers over for the civilian models? It does not appear to ever be be re blued. Sorry for some of the pictures being blurry. Any help would be appreciated, I just do not know much about these. Thanks

rosims · #13 09-30-2013, 10:44 AM

Added a couple of more pictures

dlducky · #14 09-30-2013, 10:49 AM

You have a military issue gun with the wrong grips. Barrel may have been changed after war.

410bore · #15 09-30-2013, 10:53 AM

What I see is an early 1917 that has been modified to accept adjustable sights.

Yes, the grips are wrong but they are Pre War Magna stocks, which could be worth anywhere from $400-700+ depending on condition; those arent great but arent bad either!

rosims · #16 09-30-2013, 11:31 AM

Thanks for the help. I never paid any attention to the add-on sights.

Muley Gil · #17 09-30-2013, 09:07 PM

Welcome to the Forum.

Are there any dates stamped on the grip frame, after you remove the grips? A number like 12.27 would indicate that the 1917 went back to the factory for rework.

Please post a picture of the topstrap so that we can see the entire rear sight.

rosims · #18 10-01-2013, 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Muley Gil

Welcome to the Forum.

Are there any dates stamped on the grip frame, after you remove the grips? A number like 12.27 would indicate that the 1917 went back to the factory for rework.

Please post a picture of the topstrap so that we can see the entire rear sight.

Will do when I get back home Thursday...

rosims · #19 10-01-2013, 11:24 AM

When these went thru a rebuild and the barrel was replaced, would they restamp the serial number on the barrel? This would answer why it is not US Property marked on the barrel?

rosims · #20 10-03-2013, 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Muley Gil

Welcome to the Forum.

Are there any dates stamped on the grip frame, after you remove the grips? A number like 12.27 would indicate that the 1917 went back to the factory for rework.

Please post a picture of the topstrap so that we can see the entire rear sight.

There are no numbers on the frame under the grips

rosims · #21 10-03-2013, 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rosims

When these went thru a rebuild and the barrel was replaced, would they restamp the serial number on the barrel? This would answer why it is not US Property marked on the barrel?

Any suggestions? Mine clearly has the serial number stamped on the bottom of the barrel.