I recently purchased a US Military Smith & Wesson, Model 1917, .45acp, serial number 70,839 at a local shop. The revolver seems to be in good mechanical condition, it locks up well, and has a smooth trigger pull.
The serial numbers on the frame, barrel, cylinder, yoke, extractor star, and grip all match. The bottom of the barrel is marked "UNITED STATES PROPERTY".
There is a "flaming bomb" inspection mark on the top, left, rear of the frame and an eagle's head with a 321 or S21 near the trigger guard.
The bore has pretty sharp and fairly clean rifling. The finish shows typical wear in the common areas around barrel and sides of cylinder, but also has a lot of "patina" like it was stored in a holster for a long time, but no pitting.
It has the original smooth walnut grips (one of them has a chip out of it) with the serial number barely legible and written in pencil on the inside.
All of the screws appear original and intact without being fouled up and the lanyard ring is still present. It has a case hardened trigger and hammer.
I was able to determine that it was manufactured in 1918, but I'd like to also know the month if that information is available.
I thought this was a good example of an honest WWI era revolver and was priced at $379. Is that a fair price?
Here are some pictures. Unfortunately, a picture of the serial number on the yoke, rear of the extractor star, and grip is beyond my photographic abilities.
The serial numbers on the frame, barrel, cylinder, yoke, extractor star, and grip all match. The bottom of the barrel is marked "UNITED STATES PROPERTY".
There is a "flaming bomb" inspection mark on the top, left, rear of the frame and an eagle's head with a 321 or S21 near the trigger guard.
The bore has pretty sharp and fairly clean rifling. The finish shows typical wear in the common areas around barrel and sides of cylinder, but also has a lot of "patina" like it was stored in a holster for a long time, but no pitting.
It has the original smooth walnut grips (one of them has a chip out of it) with the serial number barely legible and written in pencil on the inside.
All of the screws appear original and intact without being fouled up and the lanyard ring is still present. It has a case hardened trigger and hammer.
I was able to determine that it was manufactured in 1918, but I'd like to also know the month if that information is available.
I thought this was a good example of an honest WWI era revolver and was priced at $379. Is that a fair price?
Here are some pictures. Unfortunately, a picture of the serial number on the yoke, rear of the extractor star, and grip is beyond my photographic abilities.
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