Need opinions about effect of factory reblue to a 1917 revolver disirability

[glowe]

Not collectible to a collector but certainly accumutible (accumulable) to a shooter.

OK - I can't help myself - I am proud to call myself a S&W collector, even if my collection is not always pristine in condition. I take some offense to being labeled as an accumulator only because some of my collection is of lesser quality. I paid good money to collect these treasures and am proud to be their temporary custodian.

This topic has been brought up by others in the past, but we continue to downplay other member's guns if they do not meet the standards of LNIB of Pristine. If they paid money and collected that particular gun or guns, they are collectors. I do not find many well worn classic S&Ws laying around unsold, so so someone is collecting them.

ALL guns are collectible; all people who collect guns are collectors; there is a market for every class of gun out there from NIB to relics dug from a creek bottom or turned up by a farm implement so they are collectible, so let's be sensitive to those who either do not have the means or interest in buying only the best.

 

[JSR III]

I think that there are levels of "collector". The folks that collect only the finest examples might be referred to as "purist collectors" in that they would never add a refinished gun to the herd. Below that there are varying degrees of "collector" mostly based on what degree of wear they will accept in their own collection.

To me, an accumulator is someone like me that also collects S&W die cast models, holsters, ammo, paper, belt buckles etc. etc.

I try to be a purist collector when I can afford it but don't buy guns in the $2,000 to $500,000 range.

So, all in all, I don't think it really matters what level of collector or accumulator that you are. The mere fact that you are here on this forum (closing in on 16 years for me) is good enough for me as you are on my side of the second amendment and that's OK in my book.

 

[Jack Flash]

I seem to have the unique talent of paying collector prices for shooter-only condition guns.

If sufficient funds are available, I would advise the OP to keep the refinished M1917 for shooting and search out a high condition M1917 for his collection. The M1917 is a pleasant shooter and can do double duty as home defense. Better in the latter category than the M1911, IMHO, for most people at least, since they are not the least bit finicky about ammo, limp wrists, etc.

 

[CATI1835]

I think that there are levels of "collector". The folks that collect only the finest examples might be referred to as "purist collectors" in that they would never add a refinished gun to the herd. Below that there are varying degrees of "collector" mostly based on what degree of wear then will accept in their own collection.

^^^ What he said. ++++

Take the world of coin collectors, which I used to be part of. There are many parallels. You don't have to collect only MS70, certified coins to be a collector. A tiny fraction of older coins in that state even survived. A coin collector buys what he can afford and enjoys. Not a single coin collector I ever knew looked down on a fellow collector or disparaged his collection because the coins were not "Mint State". Yes, most were always looking to upgrade but that did not mean they were not a "true" collector. It did not mean their coins were not "collectible".

Don't say a "true" collector won't want a particular firearm because it is not in the same condition as it was when it left the factory. That is simply not true. It is borderline elitist. The OP's gun is as collectible as any other. It's simply a matter of value.

 

[44wheelman]

"It's simply a matter of value." ...exactly...

Okay it's no longer desirable at $800-$900 dollars, but should probably sell easily in the $500-$600.

Looks like a great shooter, but to me it's ruined as collectable because the finish no longer represents what was made for WWI. I think it's over glossy.

 

[one eye joe]

I don't think you'll ever be happy with it for your purpose of collecting it. Factory re-finishes are desirable to after market re-blues, but that's a hybrid with the post war stamping. I would look for another in original finish. In the meantime, shoot, enjoy, and care for this one then sell it when you acquire it's replacement. It'll make a beautiful shooter for someone and fund a good chunk of its replacement.

The inspector stamp on the upper left rear side of frame appears to have been polished off.

Originally they're stamped "GHS" in a circle, (Gilbert H. Stewart), Gov’t inspector, serial number range 1-42000. Middle range guns are marked with a flaming bomb, beginning c. #42000, April 1918.

I HAVE TO ROLL WITH Hondo ON THIS ONE. JUST SHOOT AND ENJOY THIS STILL BEAUTIFUL REVOLVER (DESPITE ITS DIMINISHED COLLECTOR APPEAL), UNTIL YOU FIND A REPLACEMENT THAT QUICKENS YOUR PULSE. BE PREPARED TO SPEND SOME LOOT....

THIS IS A CASE WHERE A LITTLE KNOWLEDGE HAS PROVEN TO BE DANGEROUS, AND WHERE IGNORANCE WAS BLISS......

 

[rambob1]

Wow!! You guys are awesome and I have gotten some great insight here. I also love to shoot the older WWII hardware and since it seems like I will not be hurting the value of this hogleg by taking it out to the range for a bit, it will be shot during my next trip, at my earliest convenience. I will of course be looking for a replacement that fits my collection theme better, but probably won't be selling this one off any time soon. I also own what I thought was a mint Russian 1938 dated TT33 Tokarev with a matching mag, but also found out recently it was an early reblue. It will also be making the next trip out to the range. FYI. I also collect all of the accessories for the pistols I own and thought you may get a kick of the discussed M1917 displayed with all of its goodies.

 

[JSR III]

To me that photo alone shows me that you are truly a "collector" after my own heart. IMHO, the gun surrounded by all of the accoutrements raises you to collector status regardless of condition.

 

[bigggbbruce]

Looks like a nice shooter to me.

Since it's not original anymore I would load it up and shoot as much as I felt like.

I have a '52 Colt Woodsman MT that was my dads. It was purchased new and I received it later in his life. He never shot it I ever knew of and the gun was near 100% and original.

In my possession I have run thousands of rounds thru it and plan on many more. If one day it breaks and I can't fix it, my bad. But I sure enjoy sending rounds down range.

That is what it was made for. What is a safe queen? I don't know any.

 

[Kinman]

I would err on the side of caution if I were you. To me your revolver is beautiful and although I would be shooting the daylights out of it you might consider using it as a trade item to get what your after...namely a prisitine, museum quality as-issued military model of 1917.
I'm a late bloomer when it comes to .45acp revolvers and only own one model of 1917, its a Brazilian model and has been customized with a shortened "4in" barrel, re-blue, re-stock, trigger job and adjustable "wonder sights". I love it and carry it quite often, although I own a model 25 that shoots much better I still like the old gun because I made it "mine".
Your revolver falls into an area of interest to a particular kind of collector and as such should be considered valuable in its own right, possibly as valuable as a very nice as issued model of 1917. The prices I have seen for very nice specimens should not be much more than what I imagine your revolver is worth to the right collector. A pristine model of 1917 has led a rather boring life, otherwise it would have all of the wear associated with use. I do not know how many model of 1917 are out there that are in pristine condition, I've only seen a few that I thought were very nice, most have wear. If I were in your shoes I would be tempted to offer your revolver for a trade possibility to someone with a collection of collector quality as issued model of 1917's. I would be more interested in your revolver than one that was as issued because it has led an interesting "life", I've seen very nice as issued model of 1917s and you would have to interested in its history to find it a better specimen than yours. I know of one that came home with its owner along with all of his gear following the great war, its rather unremarkable in the hand, unlike yours but its history or provenance makes it remarkable.
Suit yourself and welcome to this fine forum...I know a guy that collects WWI-WWII rifles, he knows every mark and descriptive angle and is very particular about what he acquires. His diamonds he does not shoot, his lesser quality rifles are beautiful and most people are amazed that they are not worthy of collector status as far as he is concerned, merely nice shooters with armory or gunsmith work done that takes away from what he considers "high" collector status. Some people wouldn't even look at a revolver with a visible turn line on the cylinder, of course if the price was right they would be interested but only as a method of acquiring it to add to the collection knowing its value as a piece to collect to someone else not quite a fussy.

 

[Gunner74]

Defiled 1917 is perfect for my use...

I'm building a living history exhibit and display to tell the story of NAP/CAP enlisted flyers in the USN/USMC/USCG from 1916 through 1982. I have set up several uniform and equipment collections representing this important and not well known piece of Naval history. I currently have a 1911A1 for display with the WWII display set but have been looking for a 1917 for the era between WWI and WWII. Whether or not the pistol has been refurbished does not matter in my scenario. In fact, it may even be of some value since it would have been new(ish) when issued in the day. If you're interested in placing the weapon in a good home where it will be seen and enjoyed by many veterans and civilians I would be interested in purchasing the pistol from you as is. Contact me at [email protected] and let me know of your internist or lack there of. Sincerely, Gunner74.

 

[GerSan69]

Good question and the devil is in the details........
I hope this helps explain,

Well, it certainly does! Thank you, Jim.

 

[DocB]

This gun has the star and was refinished at the factory one month after it was sold new. Both events (sale and refinish) took place in the Spring of 1913. It has the five inch barrel. How much original finish (refinish) does it have left on it? I don't know. Maybe none. It letters to a South Georgia sheriff who carried it his whole career. I defy any "collector" to claim and prove this really crummy looking gun is not a collectable gun for any reason.

 

[rayb]

Very nice revolver, thank you for letting us view it.

Please shoot your revolver some and take care of it until you find one that fits your collecting criteria and provides you enjoyment. Then pass it along for someone else to enjoy as much as you did.

rayb

 

[rambob1]

I have had these photos for awhile of my M1917 S&W revolver and the holster rig for it on a mannequin done up with an original WWI US doughboy uniform and helmet. I call the mannequin Tommy and I like to take these kind of photos as it shows more than just the pistol itself, but also how it was carried by the soldiers during wartime.

Bob

 

[brigham33]

I seem to have the unique talent of paying collector prices for shooter-only condition guns.

I thought I was the only one with that talent!

 

[i1afli]

As you're using terms like "I don’t think of this gun as worthy", defilement, and ruined, I think your mind is made up and you'll never feel otherwise no matter how nice we tell you it is. Sell it and get a 1917 that doesn't bring those thoughts to mind...life's too short.

But it is a gorgeous gun.

 

[rambob1]

i1afli, I have gotten some great advice from this forum on my original post and I never doubted the pistol was beautiful. My real lament was I really wanted an all original WWI issued pistol to go with the rest of my collection. But until I find a suitable replacement I will gladly keep and enjoy the pistol I have. Thanks for your input.

 

[Jack Flash]

Not to nit-pick, but Tommy should rethink the lanyard arrangement. Looks like drawing the revolver would be greatly impeded, not to mention being pretty much restricted to shooting from the hip(?) Probably not ideal for high stress situations such as trench warfare.

 

[Jack Flash]

This looks a little more like it:

I don't think I would like the around the neck / "strangle me" technique illustrated below. But I am no expert.