Just made purchase of a 98% 4 digit S&W M1917.
What I would like to know is, where can I find original ammo, the clipped WW1 type and an original 3 clip ammo pouch? 99% of what I have found is repro. Thanks, Big Larry

This forum’s classifieds would be the absolute best place to post a want ad.

__________________
Jim
S&WCA #819

I really wanted input from fellow collectors. Thanks, Big Larry

We would love to see a photo of a 98%, 4 digit 1917.

Next week I have a friend coming over to show me how to post pics. This revolver is in super condition. # 6929, has the grooved hammer and concave stocks. GHS cartouche. I don't have the gun in hand yet. It is being shipped.
I just wanted input on some accoutrements and what to look for. Thanks, Big Larry

Larry - the ammo is out there but is hard to find and can be expensive. I have some, clipped, and in original boxes. I'll PM you tomorrow.

__________________
Dennis
SWCA #2409, SWHF #353

Larry being a US Martial marked arm. I would assume a High condition holster, lanyard, WWI belt would be the bare minimum. I've never had an early gun nor a high condition 1917 for that matter to warrant wanting the correct accessories But I would think at the bare minimum this would be a start to outfit this fine gun. Reproduction holsters are made & easily found, original lanyards are around as are WWI belts.
Good Luck

Also I Didn't mention this above as I wasn't sure if the half moon clips were in use or developed when your gun was issued. But half moon clips are an essential accessory for either the Colt or S&W 1917

Half moon clips were patented in 1916, about a year before the US entered WW I.

__________________
John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!

As previously mentioned, an original Model 1909 holster, half moon clip pouch, and pistol belt. A WW1 date holster should be fairly easy to find, but finding decent condition can be tricky. Make sure the bottom plug and lanyard ring are intact, they are very frequently missing. The clip pouches are getting harder to find, but a decent WW1 dated pouch should be doable. Woven canvas US pistol belts are surprisingly still fairly available, so do not settle for less than an excellent WW1 dated example. Mills made are desirable, but any of the other WW1 makers are fine.

You have to be careful on what you buy there, but ebay would still be a good place to start. Lots of reproduction stuff there, but decent quality originals can be found fairly regularly. The originals are somewhat pricy though. You need to be patient and bid on good quality items. Be wary of the high priced "buy it nows" that have sat there for months due to their overly optimistic asking prices. On the other hand, sometimes you can get a great "buy it now" item cheap if you stumble upon a nice item that is poorly described before other collectors see it.

If you do not like ebay, you might check other internet vendors with retail websites. Good luck, I find tracking down the proper accessory items to be a fun challenge. I try to get a correct holster, pouch (if needed) and belt for each of my US military handguns.

Over the years, I have collected various US martial arms and accoutrements. Most all gone now except for a WW2 Victory, a M97 Trenchgun, and a couple M1922 22's. I just gave a friend my 99% 1943 Colt M1911A1. I have owned, over the years, nice M1911's, M1911A1's, Victorys, US Colt revolvers and a couple S&W M1917's. All with proper accoutrements. At 81, I am downsizing from over 200 guns. I bought all the attachments to my Trenchgun as I was able to find stuff that matched it in near 99% condition, cheap. I really do not want to get started with this M1917. Just some ammo and a 1/2 moon clip pouch, and lanyard, that must be real and not a repro. I have near 50 S&W's and ammo for almost all of them.
Thank you Sir for your comments. Big Larry

Check usmilitariaforum.com. May find some items for your 1917. I had an about 85% one years ago when I collected, gave it to my son along with near mint holster, belt, 3 pocket ammo pouch and bandage pouch with bandage and the whole WWI collection.
Our group displayed and worn all original WWI uniforms , weapons and gear for many years, lots of fun.
The 3 pocket ammo pouches are Expensive nowdays.5D019057-8BAE-444B-8656-EF59C2F0D6CC.jpg

2FFDF08F-79DE-4CD4-A92D-708371C5E169.jpg

Hello Larry:

Most or all of what you need can be obtained from Hayes Otoupalik. If you are not acquainted with him he has been in the U.S. militaria business since at least the 1980s. I was buying stuff from him way back then. He also sells reproduction stuff but in my experience he is very clear on disclosing was is genuine and what is repro.

His website shows that he has the 3 cell half moon clip web ammo pouches in excellent condition priced at $125. He also has a box of Remington .45 ACP ammo pre-loaded in the half moon clips. He also has Model of 1909 holsters for the S&W M1917 revolver.

His website is: Hayes Otoupalik

I remember that once 25 years ago or longer you helped to provide me with the front sling swivel on a USGI Stevens Model 520 Trench Gun. It was missing on my gun and you helped me to complete that gun. I still own it. Although it has taken me a quarter century I am happy to return the favor. ;<)

Good luck!

Regards,
Charlie

__________________
Charlie Flick
SWCA 729 HF 215

Charlie, I saved one Trenchgun from my martial arms collection.
a near mint M97 from 1943. Just could not bare to sell it. I do remember Hayes. I really appreciate the link and thank you very much. I have a story about Hayes I will tell you later. Big Larry

Larry asked me to post a picture of his 1917. So, here it is:

Attached Images

S&W M1917 #1.jpg (31.9 KB, 120 views)

__________________
Guy
SWHF #474 SWCA LM#2629

If you ever intend to shoot that revolver, the original ammunition used corrosive primers. The used corrosive primers through WWII, if I am not mistaken. If you shoot the original stuff, clean the revolver appropriately. Modern bore solvents won’t do it.

Kevin

__________________
Unshared knowledge is wasted.

Thanks for the advice, but I will never shoot it. I have near 4,000 rds. of late GI ball a friend on the US Army Rifle and Pistol team gave me a few years ago for my Thompson SMG. One 1,000 rd. case is National Match. Thanks again. Big Larry

A member of the forum here was selling original half-moon clips. I received them and you can tell they are original. Check in the for sale area and you should see the listing from 5 or 6 weeks ago. He may still have some.

Larry,

This is the box I emailed you about.

Attached Images

IMG_0888.jpg (142.6 KB, 40 views)

__________________
Dennis
SWCA #2409, SWHF #353

I managed to find a sealed box of clipped 45's. I also found a minty original 3 pocket pouch.
How much do you want for your ammo? I am going to put the M1917 and accoutrements into a shadow box. A good friend gave me a minty lanyard. Thanks, Big Larry

Don’t believe this will be helpful in the discussion but believe this info would generally be of value regarding non corrosive ammo…..Lou