Model of 1917 S&W search start

[M1917Ranger]

Folks,

I'm new on the forum so wanted to say hello but post here as this will be my main sub forum. I posted a WTB but this is my first post. I'm a life long researcher and occasional writer. I've attached a couple docs available online from National Archives digitized files. These are from AEF cables and have some interesting tid-bits on Model of 1917 revolvers.

Does anyone here have 1917s with any provenance? That is my unicorn - or an early one with the cool grips and grooved hammer. I'd love to see examples of either. I do a fair amount of Great War research if any help needed. I have one M1903 company/regiment documented to the 32nd Div in W1. I learned a lot tracking it down and happy to share thoughts.

I'd have a larger collection but I drank the public service cool-aide
so only pick items up now and then. I'd love to talk WW1 S&W revolvers!

 

[quinn]

Welcome to one of the best hangout locales around! Like you I'm a provenance guy only with LEO guns. I currently have one commercial 1917 shipped to the Denver PD. Military wise the closest I come is a Registered Magnum that belonged to a civilian investigator for the Army Counter Intelligence Corps after the war in Japan hunting war criminals.
I think you'll find a lot of moral support here. Enjoy!

 

[Hawg Rider]

Welcome to the Forum! Good luck with your search...a worthy endeavor that many Forum members would like to follow as you move through your quest. Here's my Model of 1917 from late 1918 (s/n 132922)...unfortunately for you, I bought it from a local gun store- I don't have any provenance (no letter from S&W's Mr. Jinx or a family history), and it's a late war model without the "cool features" you're looking for. However, it's mechanically perfect and a fun and accurate shooter. I'll bet that if you join the SWCA those aficionados and experts could probably provide you with a wealth of information. If you do a quick search here in the Forum, you may also find a lengthy thread for the Model of 1917. Good luck!

 

[deadin]

You want provenance??
Not quite a M1917, but close. (.455 Triplelock from 1914)
Untitled

 

[Wiregrassguy]

Welcome to the forums from the Wiregrass! I like 1917's but only have a couple. Don't forget the Brazilian Models are also 1917's.

This one was molested but still shoots well. It also went back to the factory a couple of times for work. The snout chop is not factory.

And, as I mentioned above, the Brazilian models are 1917's just like their WWI versions.

 

[mrcvs]

I, too, have wanted an early 1917 with concentric grooves on the hammer and concave stocks. They seem to have gone up by about a third since Covid.

 

[M1917Ranger]

Thank you for the posts, sirs! I enjoyed them. Perhaps jealousThis is the link to the 1903 - it's not publicly viewable and if you ignore the narration the pics are cool. I had a head start from SRS. The video pics are all from the unit though. I'm working on finding some 1917 revolver numbers from the same source - but I can only make a physical archives visit once a year…. Most of my research is soldier level - happy to help if y'all need.

January 3, 2023 - YouTube

 

[StrawHat]

I like the ACP revolvers also. As to provenance of a Model 1917, it will be difficult as most went to a central location and were distributed from there. I imagine there is a log somewhere of where each one went but I am not aware of it having surfaced.

I have one, from T I acquired with a WWII holster with a name on it. I was able to track down the owner only to find he had died a bit before I found him. Chatting with fellow veterans from his VFW or AL post, I learned he served during Korea. He acquired the revolver some time after his service and the holster may have been with it. He inked his name, home town, and service number on the holster. That helped me find him.

This thread will flesh out the story.

1917 with some English markings

Piecing together a history is a challenge. When you succeed it is worthwhile.

Kevin

 

[cwneely]

I have a 1917 that may be of interest. It's in unfired condition and was issued to an officer from Pittsburg by the name of Nolan. He brought back three guns. A Colt Army Special, NIB and a 1903 Springfield Mark1, not new. He was apparently in a position to select the guns because the 1917 some figure in the wood. The serial number is 86279.
I'll be happy to send pictures if I can figure out how.

 

[Chuck24]

Here's my 1917 and it's Colt cousin

 

[SGT ROCK 11B]

My Tax Lady's husband had a S&W 1917 that he brought back from WWII. He was a Supply Sergeant so being in the rear with the gear he was issued the 1917.

 

[bill-in-texas]

Welcome to the forum!

I also enjoy WWI history and the weapons from that era.
I've got just one S&W M1917 and one Springfield M1903 (seen in my avatar). The Springfield is SN range 877xxx with a 5-18 barrel (S.A.).
I'd love to have provenance from that period.
-Bill

 

[JSR III]

Welcome to the forum from Massachusetts, 170 year former headquarters home for S&W until they were forced to move to TN.

Just a little S&W historical info. Daniel and Horace used the terms stocks, yoke and checking in deference to the "other" little gun company in CT that used grips, crane and checkering. FWIW

You may wish to reach out via PM to member Clubgunfan (Don Mundell) as he is now the caretaker of a 1917 club gun (0 prefix) that was given by S&W to the Army officer that was overseeing their production at the factory. I always found that interesting.

 

[Club Gun Fan]

Serial number 0274 given to Captain A C Trego.
Taken from "U. S. Handguns of World War II. The Secondary Pistols and Revolvers" by Charles W. Pate.
Chapter Four page 75
"They (S&W) are manufacturing revolvers for the United States Government, the percentage of plant energy being 100% at the present time, contracts being dated August 8th, 1917, of which 30% (or approximately 30,000 revolvers) is complete at the present. The work is conducted under the supervision of Captain A. C. Trego, who has as his assistants Civilian Inspector A. L. Hallstrom, M Hanson, and John H. Hamm, these men being carried on the pay roll of the Springfield Armory. The Government stamps being used at this plant are in charge of Mr. Hallstrom who places them under lock and key each night."

 

[M1917Ranger]

Outstanding info! I need that book!

 

[M1917Ranger]

Welcome to the forum!

I also enjoy WWI history and the weapons from that era.
I've got just one S&W M1917 and one Springfield M1903 (seen in my avatar). The Springfield is SN range 877xxx with a 5-18 barrel (S.A.).
I'd love to have provenance from that period.
-Bill

Have you tried Springfield Research Service records? You never know…

 

[Mbrgr1]

No provenance but for a stamp.

You want provenance??
Not quite a M1917, but close. (.455 Triplelock from 1914)
Untitled

That is a fantastic display! Well done.

Another cousin that went to Canada first, then ended up down under for a time, now back home.


An original .455 Mk II Second model still in the .455 configuration and shoots great, but not often, still wearing its original shoes.

 

[bill-in-texas]

Have you tried Springfield Research Service records? You never know…

Yes. Many years ago.
-Bill

 

[Kinman]

I have only one that is unmolested, early serial number 110XX, concave stocks and grooved hammer, proper markings. It came from a friend's collection, his wife was kind enough to make it available to me.

 

[Retired W4]

Don't forget the post WW II guns built from the stuff S&W bought back from the government.