Meet Model 1917 Army DA 45 ACP Serial# 1514

[lestert357]

Just received the subject Model 1917 today from this GB purchase: S&W D.A. 45 - Revolvers at GunBroker.com : 791972337. I couldn't really tell the condition from the GB pictures except that I was pretty sure the finish was original and that it was an early example with the serrated hammer and concave grips. After cleaning it up a bit I think I would rate it a strong 96% to possibly a 97% gun - pretty nice but not too nice to put a few rounds down the pipe now and then - which is exactly why I bought it. Below are a few quick phone pics which give you a little better idea of condition than the GB pictures. It has some freckling and edge wear but all-in-all I think a pretty nice example of a very early Model 1917 Army. All matching including right grip pencil numbered and the M1917 holster and M1917 revolver belt were included in the auction. You can click on the pictures for a closer look.

 

[CZU]

That's a nice one, looks like original finish to me.

 

[tenntex32]

Nice. I have s/n 18xx. All matching including the stocks. Gotta love those early features.

Dale

 

[Smithbug]

That is one fiiiiinnnee looking revolver. I keep buying other Smiths but every time I see a 1917 posted I get jealous. Guess that means I need to get one for myself. Can I ask how much that whole rig set you back?

 

[deyomatic]

I love it. Price was good, too. Well done.

 

[lestert357]

Can I ask how much that whole rig set you back?

Sure, the numbers are in the GB link I posted above - it was $1214 including shipping. I have a C&R so I did not have to pay any dealer transfer fees as the gun was shipped directly to me. I'm sure a couple of dealers I know would put something north of $2K on this package.

 

[ACORN]

She's a beauty!

 

[les.b]

What a great find!! Especially appropriate with the 100th anniversary of the end of WWI!!

I have a Colt version that just turned 100, in about the same condition, but no original holster. And it gets shot too....I like to load .45 Auto Rims, but do shoot some .45 ACP as well.

Best Regards, Les

 

[Hondo44]

WOOOW!

That's a screamer and a real bargain at that price! A no-brainer purchase.

Congrats!!!

 

[tenntex32]

Since you have the holster now you need a little bit of original ammo on half moonclips to go with it. I lucked into mine not too long ago.

I've had the various original holsters, lanyard, and ammo pouch for some time but the actual WWI dated ammo on the half moon clips in the 24 count boxes was a much harder score. Lucky for me one box was already opened for viewing and the other is still unopened.

Dale

 

[lestert357]

Since you have the holster now you need a little bit of original ammo on half moonclips to go with it. I lucked into mine not too long ago.



I've had the various original holsters, lanyard, and ammo pouch for some time but the actual WWI dated ammo on the half moon clips in the 24 count boxes was a much harder score. Lucky for me one box was already opened for viewing and the other is still unopened.



Dale

Dale, very cool! I'm not much into ammo collecting but that 45 ACP in clips is what some might call a "must have"!

 

[ddixie884]

I saw a box of those one time on GB. Made the mistake of posting it here and got a ding for posting an active auction.

 

[tenntex32]

I saw a box of those one time on GB. Made the mistake of posting it here and got a ding for posting an active auction.

What a shame but rules are rules so maybe a forum member was already watching it and possibly won it.

I was very close to purchasing a few of the more readily available lesser expensive 20ct 1911 .45acp ammo boxes with rounds not on moonclips and then the actual M1917 WWI ammo on moonclips turned up.

Now I need some actual WWII dated military issue .38Special ammo and possibly some military issue .38Special tracers for my 4" Victory and Commando collection...….as well as an actual military issue 38Special ammo pouch. (Not a repro) Been lazy about getting serious and finding some.

Dale

 

[ddixie884]

I wasn't complaining. I just never thought about it being wrong. Yes rules are rules and I support the forum policy 100%.

 

[bower]

Very nice ,Terry. Looks to me pretty much unissued with a slight turn ring and no blue wear. Freckling probably from storage all those years.
Another nice acquisition on your part.

 

[lestert357]

Just got the following reply from Mr. Jinks on my ship date request:

".45 H.E. 1917 serial 1514 was shipped in November 1917. First Production Run".

Well, it's not like having serial# 1 but I guess I will go ahead and get the factory Historical Letter now to document "First Production Run".

Also I did find a source for the following items to add to the total package:
- an original box of 24 Revolver Ball Cartridges Cal. .45 Model of 1911 In Clips For Double Action Revolver Cal. .45 Model of 1917
- a M1917 Revolver 3 Pocket Ammo Pouch including 18 WW1 .45 M1911 ball cartridges in 6 half moon clips
- a M1917 Revolver Lanyard
These items were not cheap (especially the original box of clipped cartridges) but will certainly add significantly to the display. I will post a picture of the entire package when received.

 

[Hondo44]

Terry,

Excellent!

Recognize the proper vintage lanyard swivel for WWI is color case hardened (not that they have much color). But it should not be parkerized like most available these days.

And it should have a flush cross pin in the boss that the ring goes thru.

 

[quinn]

Well, mine is way newer than yours...5867 shipped Dec 1917. Mine also came with a holster. I later found the lanyard and moon clip pouch.
Enjoy.

 

[tenntex32]

Terry, don't forget the trench knife knuckleduster!

Dale

 

[mh51]

Terry....I've got # 4032, which shipped 11/17/1917. Just confirms that S&W was shipping them out as fast as they could make them, and in no particular order.
Mike