Another Round of 1917 Mystery Theatre

[Shrek Of The Arctic]

Well, the rear sights are post-WWII. And WWI 1917's did not have a trademark stamp. Yours has a large stamp on the side plate. It could have been replaced with a newer one at some point. Have you checked to see if it has the current hammer block safety? Are the serials on the barrel and cylinder the same as on the butt?

Cylinder and frame have matching SN#. There is no # on the bbl. There is no hammer block safety. There sure are a few differences between this one and the Commercial one I just picked up!

 

[Shrek Of The Arctic]

That is a darn nice hogleg the way it is setup. Is that a piece of brass inlet into the front sight?

Yessir, it does. It works well with my old and fading eyes.

Skinner Sights makes some very similar ones. I'm likely to order a couple and experiment with them.

 

[Retired W4]

Here is what I noticed. The stamp on the left side below the rear sight, as Murphydog mentioned is the mark of Gilbert H. Stewart, A.I.O., Springfield Armory, Sept 30, 1914 to Apr 1, 1918. The mark will be found on S&W M1917 SN: 1 through 43000. That kinda' narrows down the manufacture date.

Nice modified revolver, I think.

 

[Hawg Rider]

Well Shrek, I think you did good with that one! IMHO, it's a really nice modification and looks like a fun gun to shoot. According to the SCSW 4th Ed., Model of 1917 revolvers were manufactured for the U.S. Army from Sept 1917 until Jan 1919, with s/n's from 1 - 169,959. Yours was definitely an "early issue" revolver (s/n 1 - 42,000) and it has all the correct markings. Probably manufactured late 1917 or early 1918. I have a "late issue" example in really nice condition, s/n 132922 (late 1918), that I really have fun with. It goes to the range along with my Model 25-2 and is almost as accurate. Enjoy!

 

[handejector]

Front sight looks like a Redfield Sourdough in a Williams Shorty ramp or similar from Redfield or Lyman.

Jim is correct- that sight was originally made by Redfield and called the Sourdough. It was a favorite of Elner Keith, which is how I learned about it in the 60s. I have used them since and love them.
Your 1917 is a WW I military. The sideplate is a replacement. You can tell by the slight misalingment of the corners.

 

[Shrek Of The Arctic]

Thank you for the info! It sounds like the mods were made by someone who knew a thing or two about shooting.

I neglected to mention earlier, I think I originally purchased it for $650-$700, plus the lanyard ring and reproduction grips. It sounds like I might could break even if I ever sell it?

Not that I'm planning to let any of my wheelguns go, but it's nice to understand options.

 

[Shrek Of The Arctic]

Thank you for the info! It sounds like the mods were made by someone who knew a thing or two about shooting.

Good eyes on the side plate! After that was pointed out, I went and turned all the screws in. Sideplate is still, of course caddywhampus, but it looks better, and I won't be losing any parts.

I neglected to mention earlier, I think I originally purchased it for $650-$700, plus the lanyard ring and reproduction grips. It sounds like I might could break even if I ever sell it?

Not that I'm planning to let any of my wheelguns go, but it's nice to understand options.

 

[Truckman]

I think I originally purchased it for $650-$700, plus the lanyard ring and reproduction grips. It sounds like I might could break even if I ever sell it?

That would not be a problem if you knocked on my door today...I could use another carry gun in my rotation...You can even keep the grips as I'm sure I can find a nice pair of Bigmtnman Bullwinkles in a box on my workbench......Ben

 

[Hondo44]

As was typical of the period the front sight base is from a rifle sight. Sometimes when used on a shortened barrel like yours it was left long forming a barrel rib.

 

[Shrek Of The Arctic]

So..."That period" would be referring to the 50's and 60's?

The rib comment kinda adds context to a Butchered Colt mystery that I also own!

This has been such an educational week here in this sub-forum! Ribs, King sights, Commercials, transitionals, Redfield Sourdough sights and more! Many thanks!

 

[Hondo44]

Yes the '50s early'60s.

 

[Sabre29]

Vietnam 1971

Here is what I noticed. The stamp on the left side below the rear sight, as Murphydog mentioned is the mark of Gilbert H. Stewart, A.I.O., Springfield Armory, Sept 30, 1914 to Apr 1, 1918. The mark will be found on S&W M1917 SN: 1 through 43000. That kinda' narrows down the manufacture date.

Nice modified revolver, I think.

Noticed 1st Avn Bde crest on your post. I flew with the 1st Avn Bde in Vietnam (1971). I flew Cobras for the 17th Air Cav. It was either the 3/17th or 1/17th. Can't remember.

 

[Retired W4]

Noticed 1st Avn Bde crest on your post. I flew with the 1st Avn Bde in Vietnam (1971). I flew Cobras for the 17th Air Cav. It was either the 3/17th or 1/17th. Can't remember.

187th AHC, 1969. 190 AHC, 1970.

 

[StrawHat]

Somehow, I missed this thread the first go around.

Nice revolver. Others have fleshed out the skeleton, so I have nothing to add except nice!

I have a 4" barreled (cut) Model 1917. Actually, I have had and/or cut quite a few. It weighs 35 ounces and was carried a bit. Now, the carry piece is a Model 22-4.

My Model 1917, with some of Ken's stocks.

Not sure if it is clearly visible but there is a gold bead on the front sight.

Kevin