Is your 1917 Army not worthy? Pics please...All data wanted

Cocked & Locked should show up soon with a photo of a REALLY nice 1917, if you haven't hurt his feelings with your negativity about C***. Of course, his gun could use a Tyler, but so could the Smiths.
 
fabrica de itajuba rv45 m917 mine has a four digit S serial number?
The 1937 guns mostly have flat-top frames and square-notch rear sight channels, but the 1946 guns, which were made up from early-'20s parts that the company reacquired from the government, have rounded-top frames with a round-notch sight channel. And there are a very few postwar new-production non-export 1917s, some of which have S-prefix serial numbers. For some reason I suspect one of these might appeal to you if you could come across it at a decent price.

any info or direction to document would be appreaciated. [email protected]
 
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fabrica de itajuba rv45 m917 mine has a four digit S serial number?
The 1937 guns mostly have flat-top frames and square-notch rear sight channels, but the 1946 guns, which were made up from early-'20s parts that the company reacquired from the government, have rounded-top frames with a round-notch sight channel. And there are a very few postwar new-production non-export 1917s, some of which have S-prefix serial numbers. For some reason I suspect one of these might appeal to you if you could come across it at a decent price.

any info or direction to document would be appreaciated. [email protected]

56LW, I replied over on the other thread, too; saw that one before I found this post. The postwar serial numbers with an S prefix would have six digits following. Are there any markings on the butt of the gun? Look at the last photo in the post that is a couple of posts up from this one: it should say US Army Model 1917 on one side of the lanyard loop and have a serial number in two lines on the other side. If S+4 digit number you mentioned is on the frame where you can see it when the cylinder is swung out, that's just an internal process control number and can't tell us anything. If the butt markings have been ground off, which sometimes happens, look for a number on the rear surface of the cylinder. It will be small, and located between two charge holes at the outer circumference.

Not to scare you, but if the serial number has been ground off the frame, the gun is illegal unless the number was transferred to another part of the frame, usually on the left side under the left grip panel.
 
here's my contribution

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and one of the "other" brands

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My 1917a

These S&W models 1917 were wonderful guns from a highly interesting era in world history. I have an excellent example of the counterpoint - a really nice all matching (except mag) 1914 DWM Artillery Luger with a 2 digit serial number without prefix. Accompanied by matching numbered shoulder stock and holster!

Sorry! Back to the point. Here are my Models 1917. A refinished WWI era model, SN 89,2xx with updated grips. This was strictly a 'pretty face' purchase at the right price factoring in the non-originality.
Next is a Brazilian contract, SN 168,0xx in fairly decent condition. I went through wooden box of these contained loosely in a pile and I wondered if they had actually been shipped in that fashion. All were nicked up with some not too noticeably and others more so. None were terrible but some bores were also better than others. What you see is my selection. Interestingly, the grips exhibit far more abuse than the metal and were probably a mix n match at some point.
The last is my favorite. All original except again for the much later grips. Just to provide an intro here. I want to share a thread later with the details on this one.
Still, someday I would like just a nice original wartime military 1917.
Thanks for great posts!!!
(Addendum: Please see my thread of 12 October re the last photo - a Post WWII Commercial Model 1917.)
 

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What's the wonder site? Never heard of that? I see it in the pic but tell me more.

Regards,
Greyson
 
This one sat in the safe after I put about fifty rounds through it with the issued skinny grips. My hand and wrist are already messed up - I didn't need more pain!

Now it wears these homely but-oh-so-comfy Pachmayrs, and its gets shot a lot more.

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I gotta go wash my drooling bib AGAIN!! I can't wait until I can get the funds to "hunker" (for Iggy) and get one of these. Thanks and keep 'em comin'!!
 
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... I went through wooden box of these contained loosely in a pile and I wondered if they had actually been shipped in that fashion...
Probably were. It seems like these guns got very rough treatment while in Brazil and they journey back to the US was worse!

Some served in Italy during WWII with the Brazilian army, and I expect those are the ones that look like they were thrown into a cement mixer filled with salt water!
 
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This one sat in the safe after I put about fifty rounds through it with the issued skinny grips. My hand and wrist are already messed up - I didn't need more pain!

Exactly what Walter Roper wrote about in his book "Experiments of a Handgunner". His hand got so torn up while shooting his S&W model of 1917 .45 DA revolver that he designed the now famous and sought after Roper stocks.:D
 
Here is my 1917 Commercial .45 Colt Ctg. Frankingun. The barrel is 6 1/2" and marked like the .455 with a diamond stamp (replacement part stamp) by the serial number. There isn't enough head space to chamber .45 acp with a moon clips. Serial numbers all match and are where they should be.

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and the letter

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Cool guns AND information!! I wish my LGS had one in any shape so I could handle it. Thanks again.......
 
My lettered 1917 Army (shipping date May, 1918, Springfield Armory) is one of the best condition guns in my collection; age considered. Aside from the small dent in the right hand grip panel which I intend to steam out, the rest of the gun is pristine. Catch the case colors on the trigger too. I have posted several pictures below. I hope you enjoy them. Ed
 

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Heart is fluttering............;)

I know I asked for it, but you guys are killin' me. I am going crazy waiting for the funds to get a 1917. I've been lusting for a Colt Woodsman Match Target (4 1/2") and it is on hold 'til I stable one of these beasts. They are very utilitarian, but elegant also. I actually prefer some use (looks wise)on the gun. Then will come the array of different moon clip styles and a suitable holster for chest carry as well as a period style holster and ammo pouches. I've got some plain cardboard box military 230 ball just waiting for a photo op. Again, much gratitude for sharing your revolvers.
 
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