Found this at my local gun store and I’m considering picking it up. Will run me about 900 out the door. I have some general photos of it but no close ups. It’s just labeled 1917 model smith 45acp. It looks to have an original, slightly modified us leather holster. The numbers all match, and It has some matching assembly numbers on the crane and cylinder. Anything I should look for In particular? I’m not sure if it’s a commercial gun or a military issued one. It does have the lanyard loop but doesn’t show well in photos. Grips look old, worn out, and possibly original. This time period interests me and I’d love to have this on my collection if the price is correct with the market, and it passes the smell test from you guys.
Thanks.

Attached Images

	85FD7CCC-0681-4997-A026-0F1618CC194E.jpg (89.7 KB, 138 views)
	0FF034FF-64C8-4349-9222-8AD7929F7441.jpg (102.1 KB, 129 views)
	F6133944-0C53-4545-BB4F-91341C8088A1.jpg (43.5 KB, 112 views)
	AD43F0E0-97F5-4969-BE02-4A7A7D633BC6.jpg (48.5 KB, 112 views)

Perhaps a commercial, shows no US property markings under the barrel. But it appears reblued with roughness under the refinish. $900 is too much for a refinished 1917 in my mind. A picture of the butt serial number would be helpful.

After looking at your pictures again there appears to be the remnants of the US property markings almost buffed away in the refinish. Too much money for that gun.

Would a military model have the S&W logo on the left side?

Thanks. I could definitely see some roughness under what appeared to be refinish but I couldn’t say for certain. Thank you for the input.

I believe you are looking at a Commercial Model 1917. I do NOT see any government marks but I do see that beautiful S&W emblem under the thumb piece.

As for a refinish, [quote=christianjones;141365781…and it passes the smell test from you guys...[/QUOTE]. There does appear to be some evidence of cold bluing on this revolver. The smell test is a very good one to determine cold bluing. Take a sniff in a couple of different areas. Smell sulfur or eggs? That indicates cold bluing!

A US Military 1917, NO!

A Brazilian Model 1917? Yes!

Worth $900? Not with the refinish. More like $500-$700 around here.

The “MADE IN U.S.A.” stamp on the left side also indicates it is a Commercial model. That stamp was used from 1922-3 until 1941-2.

Kevin

__________________
Unshared knowledge is wasted.

No. It wouldn't have the MADE IN USA rollmark on the right front side of frame either, That gun was made after mid 1922. Not a military 1917. The guns vintage likely matches the grips which are from between 1929 to WWII. The serail # stamped on the back of the right grip will tell us if they match the gun.

It has been reblued, there's no doubt.

How's the barrel bore? Could make a good shooter but it's not a collectable.
Not many will pay $900 for a 1917 shooter.

__________________
Jim
S&WCA #819

With the Smith & Wesson rollmark on the right barrel, and a serial number in the low 200000 range, my vote is this is a refinished Brazilian model of 1937, probably one of the guns shipped before WW II in 1938.

__________________
Alan
SWCA 2023, SWHF 220