.45 Hand Ejector Model 1917 U.S. Army Revolver - Serial #45; Factory Lettered

[jsmith]

S&W 1917 Hand Ejector Military

A new member, Magmax, has some questions about a Model 1917 he inherited.

His post can be found at this link:
http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-hand-ejectors-1896-1961/100710-s-w-1917-hand-ejector-military.html

jsmith

 

[tink737]

.45 model 1917

I have one of these revolvers and I am curious as to the approximate value. It is pitted a little bit on the top of the barrel but it is in good working order. Can anyone help?

 

[tink737]

Model 1917

Greetings everyone, I have this gun passed on down through the family and I have no idea of its value. Can anyone help? Thanks for looking and thanks for all of you sharing your knowledge.

 

[jsmith]

Model 1917

tink737:

Without some up close pictures of the gun and the serial number all I can give you is a ball park figure. At least $500 on up. Your gun is in the early production variety since it has the smooth concave walnut grips. Can't quite tell but it appears your gun also has the concentric groove hammer. Serial number of your gun should be under 25,000.

We can give you more info, but you need to take some up close photos of both sides of the gun to see the condition of it. And if there are any special markings on the gun please tell us. You don't have to give the full serial number, but a number would be nice.

jsmith

 

[jsmith]

Niles Gun Show

I was at the Niles Gun Show on October 3. There were a few persons up there who knew about my low serial numbered Model 1917 and were talking about it. There was one person who was surprised to find out that I was the one who purchased it. Even showed him the factory letter for it. I had it with me to show a dealer who I am friends with.

Recently, I just seen the dealer from whom I purchased that gun off of. He kind of regrets even selling it now.

This one is a rare find with such a low serial number I have no intention of selling it, regardless of offers. The only way I would ever part with this gun is if I find a Model 1917 with a lower serial number.

This is one of those guns I love to show off!

jsmith

 

[ShooterBob]

jsmith
I just found this thread and see that you have me beat. I thought I had the lowest serial numbered 1917 posted on this site. Mine is No. 143. I bought it about 1961 or 62 for the grand sum of $29.95. Unfortunately a previous owner filed the front sight somewhat. It is in excellent mechanical shape and it a good shooter. I've enjoying using it these last 48 years. Never got a letter on it. I'm sure it would have been in the same shipment as yours. If I've done it correctly here are a couple of pictures. ShooterBob

 

[jsmith]

ShooterBob:

I pretty much have everybody beat with my serial number. There's only 44 other Model 1917's out there before mine. And that's assuming if they even still exist.

Even with your's being a three-digit serial number is a bit rare. I have seen hundred's of five and six digit serial numbers and just a few four digits but never any three digits until now. My two-digit serial number was a rare find and at a reasonable price.

Your $29.95 Model 1917 on today's market, given the serial number, would push $1000-$1500+ easily. There is one thing I did notice about your gun. The grips are not original. All the early ones had the smooth concave walnut grips. Yours has the rounded tops.

Whatever you do, don't sell it! Model 1917's have really jumped up in value over the last several years. I have turned down many offers to sell mine, the highest of which was twice what I paid for it so far.

If you do decide to get a factory letter for your gun, the chances are good that it probably was in the first shipment along with mine.

jsmith

 

[Vinson]

Ran across a Smith and Wesson Model 1917 hand extractor Army serial 43405

 

[Vinson]

 

[Club Gun Fan]

A member of the Smith & Wesson Collectors Association has a 1917 with serial number 11, yes 11. He has a picture of the soldier that carried it in WWI.

 

[gaucho1]

I have a shaved TL..... barrel is marked .455...............

With the serial number..................455

Modified it is..........but it's still a Triplelock.................

 

[Muley Gil]

I have a shaved TL..... barrel is marked .455...............

With the serial number..................455

Modified it is..........but it's still a Triplelock.................

I presume you mean the cylinder has been altered. If it is now chambered for .45 ACP, please be aware that the TLs weren't heat treated like the 1917s and that standard .45 ACP pressures are much higher than .455.

I have an altered .455 Webley & Scott MK V that I need to load some lighter loads for myself.

 

[gaucho1]

Yes, shaved and shortened barrel to match.

I am aware of the non heat treat issue, but thank you, it encourages me to not "take my chances".

In a certain way, it is actually something to get these type of matches.

I feel special.............