I understand that after the war some folks who bought surplus 1917s were concerned abo9ut the "US Property" makings and polished them off with a refinish or a blue touch up. I think the fear was that the guns weren't legit and could get an owner/purchaser in legal trouble for having a stolen gun. Also, maybe a few followed soldiers home rather than being turned in...J MHO

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Randy
Provenance nerd