The last M1917 I acquired was in very, very good condition.
Did notice the action was sluggish and like nearly every firearm I acquire, once I got it home, I disassembled it for a thorough soak and cleaning.
Once the sideplate was off, I found the insides all but packed with what appeared to be black axle grease. It was so well-installed, I flipped the frame around, looking for a Zerk fitting.
A couple of days soaking in kerosene, and scrubbing all parts with a toothbrush, the goo went away and all parts were like new.
You just never know what those who came before you were thinking.....