Folks,

I’m new on the forum so wanted to say hello but post here as this will be my main sub forum. I posted a WTB but this is my first post. I’m a life long researcher and occasional writer. I’ve attached a couple docs available online from National Archives digitized files. These are from AEF cables and have some interesting tid-bits on Model of 1917 revolvers.

Does anyone here have 1917s with any provenance? That is my unicorn - or an early one with the cool grips and grooved hammer. I’d love to see examples of either. I do a fair amount of Great War research if any help needed. I have one M1903 company/regiment documented to the 32nd Div in W1. I learned a lot tracking it down and happy to share thoughts.

I’d have a larger collection but I drank the public service cool-aide
so only pick items up now and then. I’d love to talk WW1 S&W revolvers!

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Welcome to one of the best hangout locales around! Like you I'm a provenance guy only with LEO guns. I currently have one commercial 1917 shipped to the Denver PD. Military wise the closest I come is a Registered Magnum that belonged to a civilian investigator for the Army Counter Intelligence Corps after the war in Japan hunting war criminals.
I think you'll find a lot of moral support here. Enjoy!

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Randy
Provenance nerd

Welcome to the Forum! Good luck with your search...a worthy endeavor that many Forum members would like to follow as you move through your quest. Here's my Model of 1917 from late 1918 (s/n 132922)...unfortunately for you, I bought it from a local gun store- I don't have any provenance (no letter from S&W's Mr. Jinx or a family history), and it's a late war model without the "cool features" you're looking for. However, it's mechanically perfect and a fun and accurate shooter. I'll bet that if you join the SWCA those aficionados and experts could probably provide you with a wealth of information. If you do a quick search here in the Forum, you may also find a lengthy thread for the Model of 1917. Good luck!

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You want provenance??
Not quite a M1917, but close. (.455 Triplelock from 1914)
Untitled

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Dean
SWCA #680 SWHF #446

Welcome to the forums from the Wiregrass! I like 1917's but only have a couple. Don't forget the Brazilian Models are also 1917's.

This one was molested but still shoots well. It also went back to the factory a couple of times for work. The snout chop is not factory.



And, as I mentioned above, the Brazilian models are 1917's just like their WWI versions.

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Guy
SWHF #474 SWCA LM#2629

I, too, have wanted an early 1917 with concentric grooves on the hammer and concave stocks. They seem to have gone up by about a third since Covid.

Thank you for the posts, sirs! I enjoyed them. Perhaps jealous🤣This is the link to the 1903 - it’s not publicly viewable and if you ignore the narration the pics are cool. I had a head start from SRS. The video pics are all from the unit though. I’m working on finding some 1917 revolver numbers from the same source - but I can only make a physical archives visit once a year…. Most of my research is soldier level - happy to help if y’all need.

January 3, 2023 - YouTube

I like the ACP revolvers also. As to provenance of a Model 1917, it will be difficult as most went to a central location and were distributed from there. I imagine there is a log somewhere of where each one went but I am not aware of it having surfaced.

I have one, from T I acquired with a WWII holster with a name on it. I was able to track down the owner only to find he had died a bit before I found him. Chatting with fellow veterans from his VFW or AL post, I learned he served during Korea. He acquired the revolver some time after his service and the holster may have been with it. He inked his name, home town, and service number on the holster. That helped me find him.

This thread will flesh out the story.

1917 with some English markings

Piecing together a history is a challenge. When you succeed it is worthwhile.

Kevin

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Unshared knowledge is wasted.

I have a 1917 that may be of interest. It's in unfired condition and was issued to an officer from Pittsburg by the name of Nolan. He brought back three guns. A Colt Army Special, NIB and a 1903 Springfield Mark1, not new. He was apparently in a position to select the guns because the 1917 some figure in the wood. The serial number is 86279.
I'll be happy to send pictures if I can figure out how.

Here’s my 1917 and it’s Colt cousin

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My Tax Lady's husband had a S&W 1917 that he brought back from WWII. He was a Supply Sergeant so being in the rear with the gear he was issued the 1917.

Welcome to the forum!

I also enjoy WWI history and the weapons from that era.
I’ve got just one S&W M1917 and one Springfield M1903 (seen in my avatar). The Springfield is SN range 877xxx with a 5-18 barrel (S.A.).
I’d love to have provenance from that period.
-Bill

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Veteran Paratrooper, '86-'90

Welcome to the forum from Massachusetts, 170 year former headquarters home for S&W until they were forced to move to TN.

Just a little S&W historical info. Daniel and Horace used the terms stocks, yoke and checking in deference to the "other" little gun company in CT that used grips, crane and checkering. FWIW

You may wish to reach out via PM to member Clubgunfan (Don Mundell) as he is now the caretaker of a 1917 club gun (0 prefix) that was given by S&W to the Army officer that was overseeing their production at the factory. I always found that interesting.

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James Redfield
LM #497

Serial number 0274 given to Captain A C Trego.
Taken from “U. S. Handguns of World War II. The Secondary Pistols and Revolvers” by Charles W. Pate.
Chapter Four page 75
“They (S&W) are manufacturing revolvers for the United States Government, the percentage of plant energy being 100% at the present time, contracts being dated August 8th, 1917, of which 30% (or approximately 30,000 revolvers) is complete at the present. The work is conducted under the supervision of Captain A. C. Trego, who has as his assistants Civilian Inspector A. L. Hallstrom, M Hanson, and John H. Hamm, these men being carried on the pay roll of the Springfield Armory. The Government stamps being used at this plant are in charge of Mr. Hallstrom who places them under lock and key each night.”

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Don Mundell

Outstanding info! I need that book!

Have you tried Springfield Research Service records? You never know…

That is a fantastic display! Well done.

Another cousin that went to Canada first, then ended up down under for a time, now back home.


An original .455 Mk II Second model still in the .455 configuration and shoots great, but not often, still wearing its original shoes.

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When words fail, music speaks.

Yes. Many years ago.
-Bill

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Veteran Paratrooper, '86-'90

I have only one that is unmolested, early serial number 110XX, concave stocks and grooved hammer, proper markings. It came from a friend's collection, his wife was kind enough to make it available to me.

Don't forget the post WW II guns built from the stuff S&W bought back from the government.

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I'd love to see pics of that, PM me if you can't figure it out.

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When words fail, music speaks.

The 1917 was listed as late as 1966 as the Model 22. I always wondered how many were produced post WWII.

The classic line a few years back had a 1917.

The Model 22 was a continuation of the Model 1950 Army. The Model 1950 was an “upgrade” of the Model 1917 with better sights and the short action. The classic line you mentioned was a continuation of the Model 1950 Army.

There were less than 4000 of the Model 1950 Army and Model 22s built.

Kevin

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Unshared knowledge is wasted.

The example I posted above is described in SCSW 4th, Pg. 193 as the 1917 Army (Transitional), introduced in May, 1946. Mine was shipped in October, 1947. Fewer than 1000 were assembled from parts from the 1930s. They have the new hammer block. It is a very interesting piece in the evolution of the 1917 Army/ Model of 1950 Army/ Model 22. I am proud to be it's latest caretaker.

To give you an idea of value/price, this went up for auction a few months ago:
Early U.S. Model 1917 Double Action Revolver by Smith & Wesson

Price including buyer’s premium was $3,480. Bidding went past my limit but I have some regrets…

The post-war S numbered 1917s are not built from the leftover parts of the Gov't contract.
You can tell the frames are not leftovers because they are Flat Tops. Leftovers are Round Tops.
You can tell the barrels are not leftovers because they are cut for the barrel shaped ejector knob instead of the mushroom knob like leftover barrels.
I have handled a few dozen of these guns, and I have never seen one with a leftover cylinder with a Springfield inspector's mark. If any leftover cylinders were still around after WW II, they probably got used up on the 1946 Brazilian guns.

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Regards,
Lee Jarrett

I was going by the info referenced in my post 24. It does fall in the serial number range, which I understand was a continuation of the 1917 SNs, and ship date range.