What would this Model 1917 be worth?

benatk · #1 10-20-2014, 08:40 AM

Ok, so thanks to you kind people, I have found out that I have a Model 1917 DA45 made in 1918. I have also been told that it has be plated. According to Roy Jinks at S&W, it was military issue, although there are no markings on it indicating that. I am putting a bunch of pictures on here so maybe ya'll could give me some idea of the value and whether or not it should be re-blued to restore it back to what it should be. By the way, it shoots great!

benatk · #2 10-20-2014, 08:42 AM

Just more pictures.

TenTea · #3 10-20-2014, 08:55 AM

Hello:
The S2/Eagle markings are inspection stamps applied at Springfield Armory, MA so there is *military* provenance there.
You may also notice the hole (for a lanyard loop) at the bottom of the grip frame has been plugged. This is the area that the s/n is usually encountered.
Good luck with it!

22hipower · #4 10-20-2014, 08:57 AM

My SWAG is $250 to $350. Refinished, incorrect stocks, lots of wear. I paid $250 for a refinished nickeled one a few years ago (well, more than a few years ago as I think about it) but that one was one of the last commercial versions made after WWII. If it shoots good as you say and is mechanically sound, I'd keep it and shoot it.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

Edit: And yes, as TenTea notes, the lack of a serial number on the butt is another issue. Some will tell you that makes it an "illegal" firearm as the SN has been removed. I'm not sure though that the ATF gets too excited about nearly 100 year old military relics. The SN should also be on the barrel flat and the rear of the cylinder. It so, and they match, the ATF would likely approve stamping the frame either with than SN or another assigned my them. Or, depending on the agent and how he feels that day, they might just confiscate it. Something to be aware of anyway.

deadin · #5 10-20-2014, 09:05 AM

Quote:

although there are no markings on it indicating that.

I believe that the "eagle" over S2 are government marks. The U.S.PROPERTY mark should be on the bottom of the barrel but was probably removed when the gun was heavily buffed and plated. Same with the serial and other markings that should be on the bottom of the butt. The grips are also replacements.
As to value, I wouldn't touch it as the serial number has been removed from the frame, thereby making the gun contraband. You might check under the grips and see if the serial was remarked when the refinish was done. This might, and I emphasize "might", satisfy the ATF as to legality. (Personally I wouldn't want to go there.)

benatk · #6 10-20-2014, 03:48 PM

The serial number is on the pistol. It is covered by the extractor rod. If you open it, then you have the number.

22hipower · #7 10-20-2014, 05:30 PM

Yes, probably is the serial number but that part can be replaced. The only place the SN counts is on the frame; in this case, 1917s the SN was on the butt and has been removed. There are a number of posts, some linking to federal law language and ATF letter rulings. Do a search and you'll find lots of discussion on this issue.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

Muley Gil · #8 10-20-2014, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by benatk

The serial number is on the pistol. It is covered by the extractor rod. If you open it, then you have the number.

There should be a matching number on the rear of the cylinder.

The official serial number is the one that should be stamped on the butt, as noted above.