.45 Hand Ejector US Army Model 1917

[rjm6120]

I am trying to help the owner of an LGS narrow down the value of the aforementioned type hand ejector. He has not been able to put a price on it yet, as he has too many questions.
My brief research on it, from page 192 of the SCSW 4th edition, indicate this is the real deal, but I am not sure if this is a reblue (it doesn't appear so, as the lettering on the stampings on the gun appear in very good condition. Whether or not it's a reblue is the primary question. Looks like it's a later production based on the serial number.
As for other info on the gun, numbers are matching throughout; there is no serial number on the inside of either grip panel; no flaming bomb, but eagle's head and "S" stamp numbers are located in a small handful of places on the gun; "United States Property" is stamped on the underside of the barrel; "S&W D.A. 45" is stamped on the left side of the barrel, as opposed to the right; timing is excellent, no pitting inside the bore or cylinder chambers, but need a good cleaning; cylinder lockup is just a touch loose. No half moon clips are with this gun.
Based on this info and the photos, any help on value would be greatly appreciated. Needless to say, I am definitely interested in this gun.

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

Full and half-moon clips are disposable and not an issue with the 1917 revolvers.

The barrel pin is still domed! The side plate seam is tight, and the screw holes are not dished. Nothing indicates a refinish. This seems very basic to me, but then I realize that most of the newer LGS's have never seen a vintage revolver, and have no expierance with what to look for.

Ivan

 

[22hipower]

I could well be wrong and don't want to offend fellow Forum member Ivan, but it sure looks like a refinish to me. The screw holes appear to me, old eye sight for sure, to be slightly dished. Shouldn't the hammer pin, stud, whatever the correct name is, under the hammer be domed rather than flat? The finish just looks "too good" to me. Hope I'm wrong with all that but if not I'd think $600ish might be about right. And if friend Ivan is right and I'm all wet, then double that, maybe more. Good luck.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

...Shouldn't the hammer pin, stud, whatever the correct name is, under the hammer be domed rather than flat? The finish just looks "too good" to me. Hope I'm wrong with all that but if not I'd think $600ish might be about right.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

My only example is a Brazilian Contract first delivery (1937) and the hammer pin is flat. The finish is very similar, but mine is scratched badly. My magnification is very limited, but the screw holes still look good to me. I think the one above the trigger has a shadow.

Ivan

 

[smithra_66]

This gun is, with almost 100% certainty, refinished.

 

[lestert357]

…..it sure looks like a refinish to me

I agree. Additionally the trigger appears blue rather than case colored, the sides of the hammer appear bright rather than case colored, and the grips are definitely replacements. An original finished 1917 Army would look more like this…..

Or this…..

 

[470Evans]

The lettering looks soft and the head of the extractor rod looks blued, a sure sign of a refinish.

 

[StrawHat]

To my eye, there is a subtle softness of the finish and a softening of the hard lines, which indicates a refininish. Working from an image is not a great way to establish value, but somewhere $500-$700 would be fair.

Kevin

 

[wheelgun610]

The first thing I always look for on any pre WWII S&W is the appearance of the rebound stud. If it's flat, it's been refinished. Not only is this one flat, but the left side of the frame on this gun has been repolished so much the hammer pivot is also flattened. The hammer pivot was originally radiused on that gun.

 

[rjm6120]

I greatly appreciate all the responses so far, as I am completely in the dark on hand ejectors of this age. Please keep the opinions coming!

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

Looks like I'm in a learning situation, so I better learn from it!

Ivan

 

[handejector]

Absolutely refinished.

White hammer.
Blue trigger.
Flat studs.
Missing bomb.
Wrong color.
Too glossy.
Flat head rear sideplate screw.
Repro Grips.

 

[Heinz]

I pulled mine out and looked at it. I agree with the refinished opinions.
Terry, nice 1917

RJm6120. I think I would give him 600 in a heartbeat.