Model 1917 US Army

[wcpffa1]

Just purchased this model 1917 that is in good shape other than “OAL” scribed in the side plate. When I removed the grips I found the serial number written on the right grip. On the left grip I found “O-A-LARSEN 1st LT. INF. US”. Anyone know how I might be able to obtain more information on the Soldier. Thanks for any help

 

[wcpffa1]

I apologize for the pics I don't know why they flipped over. Took me a half hour just to figure out how to attach them

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

Without more info it is a shot in the dark if the National Archives could help! You know he was in WWI and was an Infantry Officer at least long enough to get one promotion. Just start nosing around the web. (BTW, 1917's were issued to some WWII troops too.)

Ivan

 

[wcpffa1]

Thanks I will continue to peruse the web

 

[quinn]

You might want to get a 1 month subscription to newspapers.com and then do a search for hs name in newspaper articles. Also, you can use ancestry.com. Good luck. I have been amazed by the things I've found in the newspaper archives.

 

[wcpffa1]

Thank I'll check into newspapers

 

[lestert357]

That’s a very nice 1917 Army, much better than most that are encountered. Congratulations!

 

[wcpffa1]

Thanks I've been looking for one since I watched "Fury" funny how something can get under your skin

 

[StrawHat]

Here you go.

Kevin

 

[StrawHat]

According to one website, that revolver shipped in August 1918 so just before the Government takeover of the S&W factory.

It looks in good condition. It is set up for hardball ammunition but they can be made to shoot very well with reloads. The bullets need a long bearing surface and need to be sized at or above throat diameter. Hardball doses of powder complete the recipe.

Kevin

 

[wcpffa1]

Thanks for fixing the pics and the reloading info. I'm going to use auto rim cases for reload I have some but I'm looking to pick up some more.

 

[wcpffa1]

Picture of side plate with initials scribed in. I was disappointed with the initails when I first saw them but, when I got the pistol home and took off the grips I was happy to find they belonged to a Soldier.

 

[StrawHat]

Picture of side plate with Soldiers initials scribed in. I was disappointed with the initails when I first saw them but, when I got the pistol home and took off the grips I was happy to find they belonged to a Soldier.

Easy to fix.

Kevin

 

[wcpffa1]

Went on my computer resized the picture saved it but it still came out flipped?

 

[StrawHat]

Went on my computer resized the picture saved it but it still came out flipped?

Sent you a pm.

Kevin

 

[wcpffa1]

Sent you a pm.

Kevin

Thanks
Rick