Model 1917; port side of barrel stamped “S & W D.A. 45”; underside of barrel stamped “UNITED STATES PROPERTY” ; butt marked U.S. ARMY MODEL 1917 No 98523”. Can anyone help to identify vintage of this firearm? #s match on grips; cylinder and of course, the frame. TIA for the help!
Need help with serial #
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John in AK
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August, 1918. A Tuesday. About 2:37PM EST. Cloudy, 73F. The fitter's name was 'Bob.' He was left-handed, and smoked a pipe.
OK, everything but the August, 1918 is made up.
U.S. Military Dates of Manufacture is the source, by the way.
You obviously know that your revolver is a military-contract M1917 in .45ACP. Or at least it was, unless modified to take .45 Colt.
The standard recompense for this information is at least one good, clear color photograph, of course. Preferably more. Please remit posthaste.
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DWalt
Member
The S&W military Model 1917s did not begin shipping until early in 1918. I cannot say exactly when yours may have shipped, but likely sometime during the Summer of 1918. Military S&W 1917s are in the serial number range of 1 thru 169959. Colt supplied a very similar-appearing military .45 ACP revolver, also called the Model 1917. So there are two different U. S. WWI .45 revolvers known by the same name.
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StrawHat
Member
Standard appearance for the S&W Model 1917 is blue, 5 1/2” barrel, smooth walnut service stocks, no medallions on the stocks, lanyard ring on the grip frame, fixed sights. There should be various inspectors stamps on the frame and barrel.
Here is a tutorial on posting photos. Okay, now I can not find it. Hopefully, someone with better search skills will post it for you.
I would post photos of my 1917 for you to see but it was owned by someone in Great Britain so it has many stamps that would not be on the Army Model.
Kevin
Here is a tutorial on posting photos. Okay, now I can not find it. Hopefully, someone with better search skills will post it for you.
I would post photos of my 1917 for you to see but it was owned by someone in Great Britain so it has many stamps that would not be on the Army Model.
Kevin
Land and grooves show rust; chambers show rust; starboard grip has chunk of wood missing on butt end; minor surface rust but no apparent pitting; crown shows wear; muzzle shows holster wear; front “blade” sight shows holster wear; cylinder timing (synch) seems a-ok; firing pin seems a-ok (held into hammer with roll pin); internals are rust-free. Moon clips for .45 ACP work perfectly; crane operates perfectly (open/closes smoothly). What’s the best source to determine value of this firearm?
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John in AK
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The facetious answer for determining value is, "Try to sell it at auction."
The GOOD answer is, "Post more photos, and wait for the replies from the good folks here."
The alleged 'average' value of one is approximately $1000ish.
I do suggest that you get to work on that rust matter. From the one photo of the butt, I surmise that you have a fair amount of blue remaining; A bit of work with some 0000 bronze or copper wool bathed in light oil will work wonders. As to the barrel and cylinders, a BRONZE bristle brush and light oil will probably amaze you with the outcome when you're done.
The GOOD answer is, "Post more photos, and wait for the replies from the good folks here."
The alleged 'average' value of one is approximately $1000ish.
I do suggest that you get to work on that rust matter. From the one photo of the butt, I surmise that you have a fair amount of blue remaining; A bit of work with some 0000 bronze or copper wool bathed in light oil will work wonders. As to the barrel and cylinders, a BRONZE bristle brush and light oil will probably amaze you with the outcome when you're done.
Inusuit
Member
August, 1918. A Tuesday. About 2:37PM EST. Cloudy, 73F. The fitter's name was 'Bob.' He was left-handed, and smoked a pipe.
OK, everything but the August, 1918 is made up.
Sometimes old guns talk to you and tell their story. I have access to a muzzle loading carbine that was made by a craftsman in the Philippines from at least three other firearms. He sold it on a Saturday in 1899 to an American soldier from Tacoma Washington who was a company clerk and played the clarinet.
And that isn't made up.
There is a for sale section farther down in the forum List it giving all the information you have given here. You have figured out how to post photos so clean it up best you can with bronze wool and light oil, take and post 3 or so photos. Set a price. If it does not sell in say 7-10 days lower it.
Go here:
http://smith-wessonforum.com/guns-sale-trade/
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