Very Early US 1917

Mike4MSU

Mike4MSU

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Just picked up a very early S&W 1917. Person who listed it didn't take great photos. I could see the early grips, but he listed the SN as the assembly number found on the yoke. I was able to make out what I felt was a 14xxx SN and in my mind saw grooved hammer. For the price it sold for, I would have done well for any 1917, but here's what I got: a sub 15k SN, that is all matching including the pencil marked right grip, concave top grips, grooved hammer and GHS inspector mark. I haven't spent any time cleaning it or oiling it. It's certainly not perfect, but it's honest wear and I'm quite pleased. Curious to hear other's thoughts.
 

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Don't know what you paid, but it sounds like you got a nice gun on a hunch & bad photos. Knowledge is power, Nice condition WWI guns that haven't been messed with are getting harder & harder to find. Congratulations on your early 1917, we'd loved to see some pictures & a range report when you have a chance.
 
T44spl said:
Don't know what you paid, but it sounds like you got a nice gun on a hunch & bad photos. Knowledge is power, Nice condition WWI guns that haven't been messed with are getting harder & harder to find. Congratulations on your early 1917, we'd loved to see some pictures & a range report when you have a chance.
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Thanks. Was struggling with posting photos on this site myself, but just uploaded several in "as received" condition
 
Nice gun Mike and good photography as well. All matching, original finish gun with all the early features as noted, as well as the round top frame. Good find, I hope someone can give you a fair value on your gun.
 
T44spl said:
Nice gun Mike and good photography as well. All matching, original finish gun with all the early features as noted, as well as the round top frame. Good find, I hope someone can give you a fair value on your gun.
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I would be curious as to the value. I know I scored a good deal because of the poor photography and missing information regarding the early features. The starting price was $1,200 and I didn't pay much more than that. I've been looking for a nice 1917 for a while and prefer the S&W over Colt. When I saw this, I hoped I was the only one. There was only one other bidder, but they tapped out fairly early.
 
Mike4MSU said:
I would be curious as to the value. I know I scored a good deal because of the poor photography and missing information regarding the early features. The starting price was $1,200 and I didn't pay much more than that. I've been looking for a nice 1917 for a while and prefer the S&W over Colt. When I saw this, I hoped I was the only one. There was only one other bidder, but they tapped out fairly early.
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Given the condition and it having the early features I'd say "not much more than $1200" was a very good buy. At a well publicized auction with several interested bidders I suspect it would go above $2k. Enjoy it.

Jeff
SWCA #1457
 
Being one that came along late to the .45ACP/AR game I can readily see why the old timers would just shrug their shoulders at my ignorance. I find the 1917 platform to be ever bit as reliable as the venerable 1911 semi auto. Granted there is the semi auto fire and basically single action trigger for every shot with the 1911 but I just feel a little more comfortable and confident with the 1917 revolver in its many forms from basic 1917 military issue all the way through the 25-whatever modern upgrades. Probably my favorite carry pieces that goes with me most of the time is a cut down 1917 that has been slightly modified but remains true to original intent. I too have an early grooved hammer model that was left to me by a good friend after he passed, I don't shoot it very often...about once a year as a salute to Colonel K.



 
These are the photos after I adjusted the exposure. I was fairly certain I could make out the 14xxx SN, but had no idea on the balance. Likewise, I could see it had the GHS in a circle, but couldn't quite tell if it was the earlier hammer. Still, in my mind, I could see it. What I didn't know was if the SN matched, but the patina looked uniform and it didn't look beat up overall...
 

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Well done! It pays to do your homework before paying the piper. I have also picked up some gems at auction that were poorly represented, but instinct, knowledge, and hope drove me to get them, and they were nice additions to the stable. You got a nice early one. I have been looking to add one like that to my gang, but the prices today choke an old geezer like me LOL. I can overcome sticker shock, but the piece really has to talk to me..... and sometimes they do.
 
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