I was fortunate to pick up a 1917 Army at the gunshow in AL today. Hopefully you can provide some helpful information about its lineage.

I will post some pictures and all relevant information about it that I can find. All the serial numbers match, and I was not able to find any pencil marks on the inside of the grips. However I believe they may be original. Underneath the grips, on the frame is stamped 'L8' in small letters.





Note 'Cherry Bomb' stamp


Note Inspector stamp an Eagle with 'S4' underneath


Note: Next to the serial number, the other proof mark cannot be seen in the picture. It has an Eagle with 'S34' underneath




Here it says 'US Army Model 1917 No 164...'





I paid 400 do you think I did well? Also got two moon clips with bullets : ) Will give a range report with the week.

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The American dream is alive

Missing the lanyard ring, still looks to be in solid condition. You did very well at that price.

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Ash

You done good.

PM me if you want to buy a lanyard loop.

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John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!

Except for the lanyard loop it looks great. And I see Muley Gil offered to sell you one!!

Around here those are listed at gun shows in the $650-$800 area. I don't know how many sell at those prices but you sure got a good price on that one.

Congrats.

From my readings in the S&W catalog the SN is within the US Army range of 169959. However it is lacking the US Army Property stamp. What does or could this mean?

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The American dream is alive

Update! After close examination of the underside of the barrel it has the tip of a 'Y' and the double quote " Not sure how this impacts the value/historical aspect. But if this firearm was used in WWI I would be immensely tickled.

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The American dream is alive

It's not unusual to see 1917's that have had the "U.S. PROPERTY" marking removed. People used to be paranoid about having them with the marking, and I believe a few sellers of military surplus weapons were likely to blame for some of the markings being removed.

That said, based on the overall condition of your gun, I don't think the value would be any less, except to a very finicky collector, because the marking was removed. It certainly wouldn't take the fun out of owning and shooting that old war-horse for the average guy like me....

Ya done good....

Mark

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S&W Forum Member #721

My son spent well over an hour Flitzing, oiling, and waxing (Renaissance wax) this beautiful model 1917. It is now shining like a new penny!

I am taking it to Accurate Weapon & Plating in Newville, AL, and intend to have it looked over and 'tuned up' on Monday. Hopefully they will take the sideplate off and oil/adjust any part that needs it.
After this I will have it lettered to confirm my suspicions that this weapon valiantly defended our country. After such it shall be gently shot, and preserved in my safe.

What are your thoughts?

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The American dream is alive

I'm glad you are getting it cleaned up and lubed. These old war horses deserve to be well cared for. But they don't need to be babied.

By all means honor it for the role it played in 1918, but excess reverence will get in the way of appreciating its functionality. A 1917 is a tank. Take it to the range often and get to know its abilities. Both the Smith and Colt 1917s are fine revolvers.

I doubt any adjustment will be needed. A good internal solvent cleaning and brushout should be all it needs to be completely functional.

These are special guns, and they played an important role in the history of S&W in the first half of the 20th century. In the years before WWII, the company produced more 1917s than all other N-frames put together.

Range Report!

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David Wilson

Is there a significance to the star on the rear of the cylinder? Mine does not have one.

Nice purchase RussellD.

I researched online, and couldn't find any information on the star that is present in the cylinder face. Anyone care to elaborate?

Thanks

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The American dream is alive

Well made the pilgrimage to accurate weapons & plating this morning. I left the 1917 with them to perform a safety check and to make any minor internal adjustments necessary. The main gunsmith there was not in, as he was out hunting. However the others there did not know about the star on the cylinder.

Can't wait to get it back to go shooting.

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The American dream is alive